Home / Sports / Haaland's World Cup brace seals Senegal's fate
Haaland's World Cup brace seals Senegal's fate
23 Jun
Summary
- Erling Haaland scored two goals against Senegal.
- Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly made critical errors.
- Senegal faces must-win match against Iraq to advance.
Erling Haaland's second World Cup double in four days intensified the Golden Boot race at a wet MetLife Stadium, as Norway secured three points against Senegal. The match proved to be a double disaster for Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, former Chelsea players whose mistakes were instrumental in Norway's victory.
Koulibaly was implicated in all three Norwegian goals, with Haaland scoring two. Mendy's performance was also shaky, particularly on the first goal where he failed to save a shot after Koulibaly presented the ball to a substitute. This defeat means Senegal must beat Iraq on Friday to have a chance of advancing.
Despite his earlier miss, Haaland's finishes were described as immaculate. Senegal briefly found hope through Ismaila Sarr, but further defensive lapses by Koulibaly allowed Norway to extend their lead. Mendy was injured and replaced, followed by Koulibaly being substituted later in the game.
Interestingly, Pape Sarr scored again in stoppage time for Senegal, combining with Nicolas Jackson. Despite a late push from Senegal, Norway held on for the win, setting up a fight for top spot with France. Haaland, who has doubled Norway's previous World Cup scoring record, is now set to face Kylian Mbappe.
