NEW JERSEY, June 23 — Norway striker Erling Haaland continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup debut campaign, scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over Senegal and setting multiple records as Norway secured a place in the Round of 32.
Haaland became only the sixth player in FIFA World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament.
The Manchester City forward joined an elite group that includes Argentina’s Guillermo Stabile, Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis, France’s Just Fontaine, Poland’s Grzegorz Lato, and England captain Harry Kane.
Competing in his first World Cup, Haaland has already scored four goals in two matches. The achievement allowed him to surpass Kjetil Rekdal’s previous record of two World Cup goals, making him Norway’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The 25-year-old’s overall record for Norway continues to be extraordinary. Haaland has now scored 59 goals in 52 international appearances and has found the net in each of his last 12 competitive matches for the national team.
He has also scored in 18 of Norway’s last 21 competitive fixtures, underlining his importance to the team and his consistency in front of goal.
Haaland’s latest performance helped Norway claim a hard-fought victory over Senegal and continue its impressive start to the tournament.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen gave Norway the lead in the 43rd minute, scoring just before halftime.
Haaland doubled the advantage three minutes into the second half before adding his second goal in the 58th minute to put Norway firmly in command.
Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, who scored in the 53rd minute to briefly reduce the deficit. Sarr added a second goal in stoppage time, but Senegal’s late rally was not enough to prevent defeat.
The victory moved Norway to six points from two matches. However, the team remains second in Group I behind France on goal difference.
Haaland, one of the breakout stars of the tournament, now has four goals in two World Cup appearances and is among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.
Senegal remains without a point in the group and will need a victory against Iraq in its final group-stage match to keep alive its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
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