Erling Haaland’s brace ends 28-year drought for Norway

Darwin, 23 June : Norway have finally broken a 28-year-long wait in a major tournament, with qualification and knockout progression secured thanks to a dominant performance led by Erling Haaland.

Before this campaign, Norway had only appeared in the World Cup three times, and their last knockout-stage appearance came in 1998. Since then, they had not even qualified for the tournament—making this breakthrough even more significant.

In their latest match, Norway defeated Senegal 3–2, securing qualification for the knockout stage after just two group matches.

Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through a goal from Pedersen and went into halftime ahead 1–0.

The second half started intensely, with Haaland doubling the lead in the 48th minute. However, Senegal responded quickly, with Ismaïla Sarr pulling one back just over five minutes later.

Haaland, however, was not done. After receiving a cross from Berge, he struck again from the left side to restore Norway’s two-goal advantage, making it 3–1.

Senegal kept pushing and reduced the deficit in stoppage time through another goal from Ismaïla Sarr, making it 3–2 and briefly reviving hopes of a comeback. But Norway held on until the final whistle.

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy had earlier denied Haaland in the first half with a brilliant save, stopping a powerful shot in the 35th minute. But ultimately, Haaland could not be contained.

With this win, Norway moved into a strong position in Group I. They had earlier beaten Iraq 4–1, and with six points from two matches, Haaland’s side have now officially booked their place in the knockout stage.