Erling Haaland scored his second World Cup brace in a row on Monday as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to book their place in the last 32.
The Manchester City striker struck twice in the second half after substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen had given Norway the lead late in the first half.
Ismaila Sarr scored twice for Senegal, but his goals were not enough to stop Norway from sealing qualification with one group match still to play.
Senegal On Brink Of Elimination
Senegal have not been officially knocked out, but their World Cup hopes are now hanging by a thread.
They must beat Iraq in their final Group I match and hope other results favour them to stand a chance of avoiding an early exit.
The defeat was Senegal’s second in two matches after their opening loss to France.
Haaland Continues Ruthless Run
Haaland has now scored four goals in two matches at the tournament.
His latest brace followed his two goals in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq in their opening fixture.
The striker has also increased his remarkable international record to 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway.
His form has pushed him firmly into the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Norway Strike First
Norway started strongly and almost went ahead when Kristoffer Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a fine save with his legs.
Captain Martin Odegaard also missed a good chance, while Nicolas Jackson looked dangerous for Senegal.
Mendy later denied Odegaard again after Haaland brought down Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross inside the box.
But Senegal’s resistance broke late in the first half after a costly error by Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Senegal captain gave the ball away near the edge of the box, allowing Pedersen to fire in a low drive which slipped under Mendy.
Haaland Punishes Senegal
Haaland struck three minutes into the second half after Norway launched a quick counter-attack.
Odegaard drove forward and released the striker, who finished emphatically past Mendy to make it 2-0.
Senegal pulled one back through Sarr, who poked home after a clever flick into the area by Sadio Mane.
But Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal lead when he steered Patrick Berg’s cross in off the crossbar after another defensive lapse by Koulibaly.
Sarr Double Not Enough
Sarr scored again late in the game to give Senegal hope of a dramatic comeback.
Mory Diaw had earlier replaced the injured Mendy in goal, while Pathe Ciss made a crucial headed clearance on the line to stop Oscar Bobb from scoring Norway’s fourth.
Despite Senegal’s late pressure, Norway held on to secure a major victory.
Norway Join France In Knockout Rounds
The win means Norway have reached the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
They have now recorded back-to-back wins at a World Cup for the first time.
Norway will face France in Boston on Friday in a decisive clash for top spot in Group I.
France are also through after beating Iraq 3-0, with Mbappe scoring twice.
Senegal, meanwhile, must now defeat Iraq to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
