New Jersey, June 23 (V7N)- A dramatic late surge at MetLife Stadium saw the Norway national football team defeat Senegal national football team 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup Group “I” encounter, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time in 28 years.
The match, played on Tuesday (June 23), delivered high-intensity action until the final minutes, with both sides exchanging goals in a gripping contest that kept fans on edge.
Norway opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through substitute defender Marcus Pedersen, who capitalized on a defensive error from Senegal veteran Kalidou Koulibaly. The Norwegians went into halftime leading 1-0.
Early in the second half, Norway doubled their advantage when star midfielder Martin Ødegaard provided a precise assist for striker Erling Haaland, who finished clinically in the 48th minute.
Senegal responded quickly, with Ismaïla Sarr pulling one back just five minutes later after a well-worked move involving Sadio Mané, reigniting hopes for the African side.
However, Haaland struck again in the 58th minute, converting a powerful volley from a Patrick Berg assist to restore Norway’s two-goal cushion. The goal marked his 12th consecutive strike for the national team and further strengthened his reputation as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Senegal refused to surrender, with Sarr scoring again in stoppage time (93rd minute) to make it 3-2, but Norway held firm in the final moments to secure victory.
With this result, Norway advance to the knockout stage alongside France from Group “I,” marking a historic return to the last 16 for the Vikings after their last appearance in 1998.
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