Haaland strikes twice as Norway edge a five-goal thriller with Senegal to reach the last 32

Erling Haaland is making this World Cup his stage. The striker scored twice for the second match in a row as Norway came through a thrilling five-goal contest with Senegal, winning 3-2 to book their place in the round of 32 and move level with France on six points at the top of Group I.

Norway took the lead just before half-time when a Senegal defensive mix-up let substitute Marcus Pedersen drive into the box and beat Edouard Mendy with a firm finish. Haaland made it two soon after the restart, and when he added a third with a stunning strike, Norway looked to be cruising.

Senegal, though, refused to fold. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back and then struck again deep into stoppage time to set up a nervy finale, but the Lions of Teranga ran out of time and Norway held on for a result that sends them through.

For Haaland it is another statement. Four goals in two games is the kind of form that turns a team from dark horse into genuine threat, and Norway will fancy their chances against anyone in the knockouts. The win sets up a Group I decider with France on Friday, with top spot in the group on the line.

Senegal, to their credit, refused to let the game drift, twice pulling within touching distance and threatening a comeback that would have stunned the Norwegians. Ismaila Sarr was the catalyst, his brace keeping the contest alive deep into the closing stages and ensuring a nervy finale, but Norway held firm when it mattered most.

The result owed much to Haaland, but also to a Norway side growing into the tournament with the belief of a team that senses an opportunity. Reaching the last 32 with a game to spare is the reward for an attacking approach that has produced goals in every outing, and they will fear no one in the knockouts.

For Senegal, the defeat is a blow but not yet fatal, and the quality they showed in fighting back will give them hope in their remaining fixtures. The margins between the sides were finer than the scoreline of a five-goal thriller might suggest.

Norway, though, march on, and in Haaland they have a forward in the form of his life.

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