The win moved Norway to six points from two matches and confirmed their qualification alongside France. The two teams will now meet on Friday to decide the Group I winner and potentially secure a more favorable path in the knockout stage.
Norway Take Control Before Halftime
Norway suffered an early setback when Julian Ryerson picked up an injury and left the field after just 13 minutes. His replacement, Marcus Pedersen, made an immediate impact.
Just before halftime, Norway broke the deadlock. A delivery from captain Martin Odegaard was only partially cleared by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. The ball fell perfectly for Pedersen, who struck first time and beat goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to put Norway ahead.
Haaland Takes Centre Stage
After helping create numerous chances in the first half, Haaland took over the match after the break. Only three minutes into the second half, the Manchester City striker latched onto a precise pass from Odegaard and raced clear on goal. He calmly fired a left-footed shot past Mendy to double Norway’s advantage and complete a swift counterattack.
Senegal responded quickly through Ismaila Sarr, who reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute and gave his side renewed hope. However, Haaland answered almost immediately. Five minutes later, he burst through the Senegal defence and met a cross from Patrick Berg with a close-range volley using his weaker right foot. The finish restored Norway’s two-goal lead and highlighted the striker’s incredible confidence.
The goal triggered huge celebrations among Norway supporters. Haaland celebrated by cupping his ear toward the crowd as fans behind the goal performed the famous Viking Row.
Haaland Climbs Golden Boot Standings
The brace lifted Haaland's tournament tally to four goals. He now sits level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race and trails only Lionel Messi, who leads the scoring chart with five goals.
The Norwegian striker has become one of the standout performers of the tournament and remains a major threat as the knockout stage approaches.
Records Keep Falling for Norway Star
Haaland's latest performance added more remarkable numbers to his already outstanding international career. The 25-year-old has now scored 24 goals in his last 12 matches for Norway and has found the net in every one of those games. His overall international record stands at an astonishing 59 goals in just 52 appearances.
He also joined Harry Kane as the only players in the last 50 years to score braces in each of their first two World Cup appearances.
Senegal Left With Work to Do
Senegal refused to give up and scored again deep into stoppage time through Sarr, who grabbed his second goal of the match. However, the late strike came too late to change the outcome.
The defeat left the Lions of Teranga without a point from their opening two matches. It is the first time Senegal have started a World Cup campaign with two consecutive defeats.
Their hopes of reaching the knockout stage now hang by a thread. Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group match and rely on other results if they want to progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Norway Set for France Showdown
With qualification already secured, Norway can now focus on a high-profile clash against France. The winner of that match will top Group I and gain valuable momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
For Norway, the story continues to revolve around Haaland, whose incredible scoring streak shows no sign of slowing down as he chases both the Golden Boot and a deep World Cup run.