Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored two goals as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.
The match, part of the Group I fixtures, took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Marcus Pedersen gave Norway the lead just before half-time. Haaland added two further goals after the interval. Senegal fought back with both goals scored by Ismaila Sarr, but Norway held on to claim a vital victory.
Norway began strongly, winning four corners in the first four minutes and almost scoring when Kristoffer Ajer’s header was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Martin Odegaard also came close, with his shot denied by Mendy.
In the 44th minute, Pedersen, who had replaced the injured Julian Ryerson earlier in the match, capitalised on a loose clearance from Kalidou Koulibaly and fired the ball past Mendy to give Norway the lead.
Haaland had a quiet first half but nearly doubled Norway’s advantage before half-time when his effort hit the post after he rounded the goalkeeper. Three minutes into the second half, Haaland scored his first goal of the game by finishing a swift counter-attack assisted by Odegaard.
Senegal reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute when Sadio Mane found Ismaila Sarr, who beat goalkeeper Orjan Nyland after shrugging off his marker.
Five minutes later, Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal lead by volleying in a low cross from Patrick Berg off the underside of the crossbar.
Senegal faced further difficulty when Mendy was forced off with an injury. Pathe Ciss produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Oscar Bobb from extending Norway’s lead.
Pape Thiaw’s Senegal continued to pressure and pulled one back in stoppage time through Sarr’s second goal. The forward then had one final chance to equalise with a late header, but it sailed over the bar. Norway maintained their narrow victory and confirmed their place in the knockout stage.