Haaland writes his name into Norway's World Cup history

Erling Haaland's two goals carried Norway to a pulsating 3-2 victory over Senegal and into the Round of 32, while elevating him to Norway's all-time leading World Cup scorer on four goals. Haaland has now scored in 12 straight competitive internationals and became the first Norwegian ever to find the net in consecutive World Cup matches — a measure of the relentless form he carries into the knockout rounds, and a milestone that places him at the very heart of his country's footballing story.

His opening goal, three minutes after half-time, was struck emphatically into the top corner from the edge of the area; his second, on the hour, was a close-range finish that briefly looked to have put the result beyond doubt. That it did not was down to a spirited Senegal side who refused to fold, and the closing stages became an examination of Norwegian nerve as much as quality.

Norway hold their nerve to end a 28-year drought

The night turned early when Julian Ryerson was forced off injured in the 13th minute. His replacement, Marcus Pedersen, made history of his own, lashing Norway ahead just before the interval — the first World Cup goal by a substitute since 2018. Haaland's double followed, but Ismaïla Sarr halved the deficit after a clever Sadio Mané flick and then completed his brace in the third minute of stoppage time to set nerves jangling around the stadium. Ståle Solbakken's men dug in, defended their box with discipline and saw it out, claiming Norway's first World Cup win since 1998 and ending a 28-year wait in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Qualification secured, Senegal left needing a miracle

Norway become the sixth side to reach the last 32, after Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina and France. Senegal, by contrast, must now beat Iraq heavily on the final day and hope results elsewhere fall their way if they are to sneak through among the best third-placed teams. Sarr at least had personal cause for pride, joining Camara and Diop — both in 2002 — as only the third Senegalese player to score a World Cup brace, his two goals a rare bright spot on a night of agonisingly fine margins.

Norway and France collide for top spot

With both teams already through, the final Group I fixture between Norway and France becomes a contest for first place and a smoother knockout path. The duel of the day pits Haaland against Kylian Mbappé, each on four tournament goals — a meeting of two of the sport's premier finishers at the peak of their powers. For the neutrals, it is the pick of the final round of group games. Our forecast of over 2.5 goals landed comfortably in a five-goal classic.