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Erling Haaland and his Norwegian team-mates showed their rooting talents after winning a place in the round of 16 of the World Cup. But those skills are still no better than Haaland’s main sport.
“Scoring goals is my specialty,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”
Haaland scored twice to take his World Cup tally to four and the Vikings advanced to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a hit than a sail.
After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered tightly in a 10-row formation just inside the penalty area at the north end of the New York New Jersey Stadium, in front of their red-shirted supporters, with Haaland sitting at the front while teammate Martin Ødegaard banged on a bongo drum. They alternated with the fans performing Viking Row – shouting “Calm!” while imitating rowers.
“It was fun,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We don’t want to row after the World Cup, but this could be a gimmick during the tournament.”
Marcus Pederson had put the Vikings ahead in the 43rd minute after replacing an injured teammate, and Haaland continued his incredible scoring streak in the 48th and 58th minutes to build a 3-1 lead.
“He is very effective,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.
Haaland honors Henry with Corner Flag celebration
Haaland ran onto Martin Ødegaard’s pass and put a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s outstretched left hand, capping off an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead. He then joined Ødegaard in paying tribute to Thierry Henry by celebrating the French World Cup winner’s trademark corner flag.
For his second goal, Haaland tunneled through the defense and 8 yards out raised his weaker right foot to head in Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised a hand to his ear to inspire the Norwegian supporters.
Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international matches – scoring at least once in each match – and 59 goals in 52 international matches. The 25-year-old striker joined England’s Harry Kane in 2018 as the only players in the last 50 years to score two goals in both their first two World Cup games.
He is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and equal with France’s Kylian Mbappé. Haaland almost got another in first-half stoppage time, hitting a cross after Mendy lost control of the ball.
“He missed an open goal. He could have scored even four,” Solbakken said. “He’s the best striker – he doesn’t play for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”
Ismaila Sarr got both goals for the Lions of Teranga in the 53rd minute and in the third minute of second half stoppage time.
“If we had just played a little worse, we would be in trouble,” said Solbakken.
Senegal are 0-2 in a World Cup for the first time and need a win over Iraq (0-2) to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.
“We have everything left to play for,” Thaw said.
Haaland wonders about France’s chances: ‘They want to win it all’
With its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway (2-0) is guaranteed to move up from Group I together with France. The Vikings will have to beat Les Bleus on Friday for first place and what looks to be an easier path in the knockout bracket.
But Haaland didn’t seem worried about the blockbuster match against Mbappé and Co., shrugging off what will be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
“I couldn’t care less about that game now. They will probably win against us. They will probably win the tournament,” Haaland said after Monday’s game.
But all eyes turn to the game that belonged to Haaland this night. While there had been storm warnings, a downpour stopped more than 3 1/2 hours before kickoff. The skies opened again after the final whistle, prompting announcements for fans to leave the stadium bowl for sheltered space. At least the fans were able to witness another memorable performance by one of the game’s biggest stars.
“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
