World Cup 2026: Haaland strikes twice as Norway secure knockout progression

Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in Group I to get their ticket to the knockout stage. Norway made a blistering start, with Marcus Pedersen opening the scoring in the 43rd minute after a Senegalese defensive error. Haaland doubled the lead early in the second half with a precise finish from Odegaard's pass, making it 2-0 and putting Norway in control. The Norwegian striker came close to adding a third in the closing moments, with one effort hitting the post and another being brilliantly blocked. Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy kept his side in the contest with crucial saves, including a stunning denial of Haaland's header just before half-time.

Senegal refused to surrender and pulled one back through Ismaila Sarr's excellent finish into the top corner in the 53rd minute. Haaland then restored Norway's two-goal cushion with a fortunate strike that bounced off the bar in the 58th minute. The African side continued pressing and Sarr reduced the deficit again in stoppage time to set up a tense finale, but Norway's defence held firm despite sustained Senegalese pressure in the final moments. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)