FIFA WORLD CUP
2 min read
Haaland scores second World Cup brace as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach Round of 32
The Vikings need to beat France on Friday to secure the top spot in the group and have what appears to be an easier path in the knockout bracket.
Haaland scores second World Cup brace as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach Round of 32
Haaland is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and tied with France's Kylian Mbappe. / AP

Erling Haaland has scored twice as Norway booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a 3-2 victory over Senegal.

Manchester City striker Haaland's double and a Marcus Holmgren Pedersen sealed victory for Norway in the Group I game, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice for Senegal.

Haaland is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and tied with France's Kylian Mbappe.

The Vikings, playing their first World Cup since 1998, need to beat France on Friday for first place and what would appear to be an easier path in the knockout bracket.

While not eliminated, Senegal need to win against Iraq to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.

The jubilant Norwegians ended the game by taking part in a "Viking row" on the pitch, facing their fans. The stadium was dominated by the red jerseys of Norway, who have been entertaining New Yorkers in recent days with their mass rowing.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon led to shelter-in-place warnings, made travel difficult, and caused the other Group I match in Philadelphia to be temporarily suspended.

Most fans who braved the weather donned ponchos in the outdoor stadium, although the rain eased off as play commenced.

RelatedTRT World - France power past Iraq into World Cup knockouts
SOURCE:TRT World & Agencies