Norway secures World Cup last 32 spot
Norway has advanced to the last 32 of the World Cup following a 3-2 victory over Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium. The match saw Erling Haaland score two goals, marking his second consecutive two-goal performance in the tournament. This win places Norway alongside France, both with six points from two matches in Group I.
The game on Monday was a lively affair, with goals coming from both sides. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring for Norway in the 43rd minute. Haaland then extended their lead in the 48th minute. Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr managed to pull one goal back in the 53rd minute, but Haaland quickly responded in the 58th minute, restoring Norway’s two-goal advantage. Sarr scored again in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, making the final score 3-2 and ensuring a tense finish.
Haaland’s contributions have been significant for Norway, as he also scored twice in his World Cup debut against Iraq. His goal against Senegal that made it 2-0 came after Martin Ødegaard delivered a pass through two defenders. Haaland, despite slipping, managed to take the shot. Later, after Sarr’s first goal, Norway’s pressure led to a turnover, and Patrick Berg found Haaland in front of the goal. Haaland expertly converted a hip-high cross, continuing his impressive scoring run.
Haaland has now accumulated 24 goals in a 12-match goal streak for Norway in competitive matches. Overall, he has scored 59 goals in 52 career international matches. His consistent performance has been a key factor in Norway’s strong showing in the tournament.
Match details and key moments
The match, which kicked off at 1am on Tuesday, June 23, was held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, USA. Norway’s return to the World Cup has been triumphant, with their previous match against Iraq ending in a 4-1 victory, also featuring a brace from Haaland.
Early in the game, Norway started with strong attacking intent, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy made a spectacular reaction save in the fourth minute. Julian Ryerson delivered an inswinging corner from the left, finding an unmarked Kristoffer Ajer in the six-yard box. Ajer headed the ball down, but Mendy managed to trap it between his legs and flick it away despite falling.
An early substitution saw Pedersen enter the game in the 12th minute, replacing an injured Ryerson. Pedersen’s goal came from a blunder by Kalidou Koulibaly, whose clearance of an Ødegaard pass went directly to Pedersen, who then unleashed a shot that deflected off Mendy’s left arm and into the net. Shortly after Haaland’s second goal, Mendy left the field due to an injury and was replaced by Mory Diaw.
Senegal, who had previously faced France in their opener, losing 3-1, are now on the verge of elimination. They will play their final group stage match against Iraq on Friday in Toronto. France, leading Group I on goal difference, needs only a draw in their upcoming match against Norway on Friday in Boston to secure first place in the group.
Norway’s attacking prowess has been evident throughout their campaign. They scored 37 goals in eight matches during qualifying, including 3-0 and 4-1 victories over Italy. However, their defense has been less consistent, keeping only two clean sheets in their last ten games. This was highlighted in their match against Iraq, where an Iraq striker scored a first-half equalizer.
Ødegaard’s role in Norway’s offense is also notable. He set up seven goals in just five qualifying starts and contributed six assists during Arsenal’s Premier League triumph. His ability to deliver incisive passes and set pieces makes him a key player for Norway, potentially unlocking defenses as seen with France’s goals against Senegal, which came from similar through balls.
Senegal’s attacking options include Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye. Despite their 3-1 defeat to France, they created good chances, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Sarr missing a good opportunity. Their consolation goal against France was scored by Ibrahim Mbaye. With a draw putting them under pressure, a positive display is expected from Pape Thiaw’s side in their upcoming match against Iraq.
Source: theguardian.com
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