Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Senegal to reach last 32

Erling Haaland continued his prolific World Cup campaign, netting a brace to guide Norway to a crucial 3-2 victory against Senegal. The win on Monday guarantees Norway's advancement to the knockout stage with one group game remaining.

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Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen struck late in the first half in New Jersey before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break.

Haaland's second-half strike, following a goal from Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, extended Norway's lead. Senegal managed to pull one back through Ismaila Sarr, but Haaland's second goal of the match sealed the win, despite a late consolation from Sarr.

With this performance, the Manchester City forward has now scored four goals in his last two World Cup appearances, placing him among the tournament's leading scorers. He is hot on the heels of players like Lionel Messi, who also recorded a double earlier in the day, and Kylian Mbappe, who also scored twice in France's win over Iraq.

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Ismaila Sarr cut the deficit for Senegal, only for Haaland to punish more slack defending as Norway moved through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare despite a late consolation from Sarr.

Norway's victory marks their first back-to-back wins at a World Cup, underscoring their strong form. The team has lost only once in their last 18 matches and looks poised to make a significant impact in the finals. They are set to face France in their final group match, a fixture that will likely decide the group's top spot.

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Manchester City forward Haaland now has four goals in two games at the tournament, hot on the heels of Lionel Messi’s double earlier in the day which carried him to a record 18 World Cup goals.