WORLD CUP EXPLAINED
Haaland missed an open goal, then scored twice against Senegal
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Final: Norway 3-2 Senegal
Erling Haaland came within a few inches of being remembered for the miss of the match. By the end, he had scored twice and Norway had beaten Senegal 3-2.
In first-half stoppage time, Édouard Mendy hesitated in possession and Haaland suddenly had an exposed goal in front of him. His shot beat the goalkeeper, but not the post.
The miss lasted only until the second half.
Haaland scored three minutes after the restart
Norway had taken the lead in the 43rd minute through Marcus Pedersen. Then, in the 48th minute, Martin Ødegaard released Haaland with a through ball and the striker drove his finish into the top corner for 2-0.
Senegal answered quickly. Ismaïla Sarr scored in the 53rd minute after Sadio Mané split the defence with a pass.
Five minutes later, Haaland struck again. Patrick Berg set the ball for him and Haaland volleyed in off the crossbar to restore Norway's two-goal advantage.
The miss became a footnote
What made the sequence stand out was not simply that Haaland scored twice. It was how quickly he recovered from a chance that most forwards would expect to finish.
He hit the post with the goal exposed before halftime, scored three minutes after the restart and completed his brace ten minutes into the second half.
Sarr scored again deep into stoppage time, but Norway held on for a 3-2 win.
How many World Cup goals does Haaland have?
Haaland now has four goals in his first two World Cup matches:
- two against Iraq;
- two against Senegal.
Norway also moved to six points in Group I, level with France before the two teams meet in their final group match.
Frequently asked questions
Did Haaland miss an open goal against Senegal?
He struck the post in first-half stoppage time after Mendy's mistake left the goal exposed.
When did Haaland score?
He scored in the 48th and 58th minutes.
Who assisted Haaland's goals?
Martin Ødegaard assisted the first. Patrick Berg set up the second.
What was the final score?
Norway beat Senegal 3-2.