Erling Haaland scored twice for the second successive World Cup match as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on Monday to move level with France on six points at the top of Group I.
First half breakthrough
Norway went ahead in the 43rd minute when Kalidou Koulibaly misjudged a clearance and substitute Marcus Pedersen drove into the box and beat Edouard Mendy with a firm shot. Haaland struck the post before halftime but doubled the lead three minutes after the restart, running on to Martin Odegaard's through ball and rifling into the top corner.
Senegal fight back
Ismaila Sarr pulled one back in the 53rd minute after Sadio Mane's neat pass split the defence, yet Senegal failed to clear again five minutes later and Patrick Berg teed up Haaland to volley in off the crossbar. Sarr struck his second deep into added time but Norway held on to set up a mouth-watering group decider against France on Friday.
Group implications
With both Norway and France on six points, the final group match will determine who advances as group winners. Senegal, with three points, still have a chance to qualify if they beat their remaining opponent and results go their way. Barney Ronay's full report will follow shortly.
