Norway advances to VM round of 16 after dramatic win, Haaland scores twice

Norway secured a spot in the VM round of 16 following a nail-biting 3-2 win against Senegal, a match that saw Erling Braut Haaland score twice. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen had earlier put Norway ahead. The victory, celebrated with over 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium, has been hailed as a historic moment by coach Ståle Solbakken.

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More, more, more!

Despite the win, the team faced intense pressure in the closing minutes as Senegal pulled a goal back. Coach Solbakken acknowledged the team's struggle to close out games, noting that players were suffering from cramps. "We met one of Africa's two best teams, and we were the best. We created the most chances. Nevertheless, we were pressed all the way to the end," Solbakken told NRK.

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We met one of Africa's two best teams, and we were the best. We created the most chances. Nevertheless, we were pressed all the way to the end.

Norway has now scored seven goals in two VM matches in the USA, matching their total from three previous VM appearances. However, the team faces a quick turnaround before their next match against France. Solbakken indicated that a full-strength squad would not be fielded due to player fatigue. "There is very little time before the France match. With the wear and tear we had today, we have to make some changes. That is one hundred percent certain if we are to survive into the round of 16," he stated, highlighting the short interval as the shortest in the VM for any team.

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This is one of the biggest days, if not the biggest.

Haaland's performance drew praise, with former teammate Ruben Gabrielsen calling him "unstoppable" and "a machine." However, the team's inability to secure a more comfortable lead was a point of concern, as Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr nearly scored a third goal in added time. The match also featured a missed open-goal opportunity by Haaland just before halftime, though he quickly redeemed himself early in the second half with a powerful strike assisted by Martin Ødegaard.

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It is very short time before the France match. With the wear and tear we had today, we have to make some changes. That is one hundred percent certain if we are to survive into the round of 16.