Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; June 23: Lionel Messi for Argentina and Kylian Mbappé for France, Erling Haaland also made his mark on the World Cup stage with a standout performance, scoring twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3–2 to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Norway entered their second Group ‘I’ match on Monday full of confidence, having already beaten Iraq 4–1 in their opening game.

The beginning of the match, Norway played an attacking style of football, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stood strong and denied them early breakthroughs.

The first half seemed destined to end goalless, but that did not happen.

The 43rd minute, Norway took advantage of a defensive error from Senegal. Substitute Markus Homgren Pedersen found space inside the box from the right side and finished calmly with a low shot to give Norway a 1–0 lead.

Norway went into halftime leading by one goal. After the break, the tempo of the match increased further.

The 50th minute, Haaland scored Norway’s second goal, extending their lead. However, Senegal responded quickly, with Ismaïla Sarr pulling one back just three minutes later. But in the 58th minute, Haaland struck again, completing his brace and restoring Norway’s two-goal cushion at 3–1.

Both teams created several chances afterwards, but no further goals were scored. Just when Norway seemed in full control, Sarr once again came alive in the final moments, scoring his second goal to make it 3–2 and giving Senegal hope.

The closing minutes, Senegal pushed hard for an equaliser, but Norway’s defence held firm and denied any further breakthrough.

With this victory, Senegal and Iraq are eliminated from Group ‘I’, while Norway and France have confirmed their place in the Round of 32. Norway and France will meet next Friday, and the winner of that match will finish as group champions.