Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Monday and booked a place in the World Cup last 32 alongside France after Erling Haaland scored twice in a game that shifted sharply after the break.
Norway controlled long periods through direct attacks and quick transitions. Martin Odegaard repeatedly carried the ball through midfield and pushed Senegal’s defence backwards. Senegal held possession for spells in the first half but Norway created the cleaner chances.
Marcus Pedersen gave Norway the lead in the 43rd minute after Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy failed to deal with danger inside the box. Mendy had already denied an earlier effort and also stopped Haaland before the interval.
Norway struck again three minutes after the restart. Senegal attacked in numbers, but Odegaard intercepted a loose pass and launched a quick break. Haaland finished the move with a powerful first-time effort into the top corner for his 58th goal in 52 international appearances.
Senegal answered immediately. Ismaila Sarr showed strength inside the area and forced his finish beyond Orjan Nyland in the 53rd minute.
The game then opened up. Senegal twice failed to clear the ball and Norway punished them again. Patrick Berg lifted a cross into the area and Haaland guided a volley high into the net before the hour mark.
Senegal kept pushing and Sarr scored his second in stoppage time after Nicolas Jackson found him inside the area. Norway then spent the closing minutes under pressure as players battled cramp and Senegal threw bodies forward.
Norway survived the late surge and secured a second straight result in Group I. Senegal now head into their final group match needing help elsewhere and a result of their own to keep their tournament alive.
