Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach World Cup knockout stage
Haaland has now scored 24 goals in his last 12 international matches and has found the net in each of those games. His overall international record stands at 59 goals in 52 appearances.
Erling Haaland scored two more goals as Norway secured a place in the World Cup round of 32 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday night.
The Norwegian striker took his tally to four goals in the tournament as the Vikings booked their place in the knockout stage with a second consecutive win.
After the final whistle, Norway's players and coaching staff celebrated with their supporters by performing the "Viking Row" chant inside MetLife Stadium. Led by captain Martin Ødegaard on a bongo drum, the squad joined fans in mimicking rowing movements while chanting together.
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"It was fun for the players to join in," Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. "We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but this will be a gimmick throughout the tournament."
Marcus Pedersen gave Norway the lead in the 43rd minute after coming on as an early substitute, while Haaland struck in the 48th and 58th minutes to extend the advantage to 3-1.
For his first goal, Haaland latched onto a pass from Ødegaard and fired a left-footed shot beyond Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to complete a rapid counterattack and double Norway's lead.
Ten minutes later, the Manchester City star broke through the defence and volleyed Patrick Berg's cross with his right foot from close range. After scoring, he cupped his hand to his ear toward the Norway supporters.
Haaland has now scored 24 goals in his last 12 international matches and has found the net in each of those games. His overall international record stands at 59 goals in 52 appearances.
The 25-year-old joined England's Harry Kane as the only players in the last 50 years to score two goals in each of their first two World Cup appearances.
Haaland is now second in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and level with France's Kylian Mbappé. He nearly completed a hat trick before halftime but hit the post after Mendy failed to control the ball.
"He could have scored even four," Solbakken said. "It's easier to win the Golden Boot when you play for France or Argentina."
Senegal's goals came from Ismaïla Sarr, who scored in the 53rd minute and again in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway improved to 2-0 in Group I and are guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds alongside France.
The Vikings will face France on Friday, with the winner expected to finish top of the group and potentially secure a more favourable route in the knockout stage.
Senegal, meanwhile, remain without a point after two matches and are in danger of an early exit. The Lions of Teranga must defeat Iraq, who are also 0-2, and hope results elsewhere go in their favour to have any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Pedersen made his World Cup debut after replacing the injured Julian Ryerson in the 13th minute and later opened the scoring with help from mistakes by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Mendy.
Ødegaard's cross was cleared only as far as Pedersen by Koulibaly. The defender took two touches before sending a shot toward goal that slipped through Mendy's hand and into the net.
Mendy's difficult evening ended in the 63rd minute when he was forced off with an injury.
