In a 2026 FIFA World Cup that is becoming all about the stars, Erling Haaland continued to make his case for Norway with two goals on Monday evening in a 3-2 victory over Senegal.
The Senegalese defence continued to be uncharacteristically leaky following an opening match 3-1 defeat to France, with Haaland’s brace arriving after a first half opener from first half substitute Marcus Pedersen.
Ismaïla Sarr provided a response on two occasions for the Lions of Teranga in the 53rd minute, five minutes after Haaland opened his account for the evening, as well as in second half stoppage time. However, Haaland’s volley shortly after put Norway just beyond reach despite a late rally from the African power.
Senegal, who have been surrounded by an environment of uncertainty this World Cup, started out with a strong first half performance against France but it has been all downhill from there. The Senegalese attack posed little threat against a Norway team that looked more dangerous in the opening 45 minutes.
And just when it appeared that another strong performance from goalkeeper Édouard Mendy would allow his team to escape to halftime unscathed, Senegal collapsed. Captain and central defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s errant touch went right to fullback Pedersen who fired his first international goal through Mendy at his near post.
Mendy then was caught on the ball by Haaland in first half stoppage time, who hit the post before his header was well held by Mendy.
But the Manchester City striker tirelessly pursued a goal and when the Norwegian attack broke out in numbers in the 48th minute, playmaker Martin Ødegaard passed into the poacher’s path for a clinical finish past Mendy to make it 2-0.
Senegalese hopes were briefly restored shortly after. Sadio Mané provided his first goal contribution of the tournament with a clever pass into the path of Sarr, who stretched out to flick his finish over advancing Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
But Koulibaly’s nightmare performance, and tournament, continued five minutes later when he failed to clear and retrieve a loose ball caused by a dangerous cross. Halftime substitute Patrick Berg collected the ball, dribbled by Koulibaly and crossed for Haaland to finish with an excellent right-footed volley that went in off the crossbar.
Mendy was forced off shortly after due to injury and Koulibaly was substituted with no apparent injury, a statement from coach Pape Thiaw that perhaps spoke louder than the defeat.
Senegal did provide a late scare for the Norwegians when Sarr doubled his tally from a Nicolas Jackson assist. But despite creating a frantic ending for a shaky opposition defence, it was too little, too late for the Lions after Sarr’s header in the final seconds went over the bar.
Senegal now must defeat Iraq on June 26 and attempt to improve their goal difference to advance to the knockout stages.
