Substitute Pedersen opened the scoring after mistakes by Koulibaly and Mendy, and Haaland hit the post before the break. Haaland struck twice after half time to become Norway's all time leading scorer at World Cups, taking his tally to 58 and 59 goals in just his 52nd international appearance. Ismaila Sarr answered with two goals for Senegal, including a late finish in stoppage time after being set up by Mane for his first.
The win gave Norway a second victory at this tournament, more than they had managed across all previous World Cups. Fans had been briefly cleared from the stadium around four hours before kick off amid heavy rain and a flood watch in the area, though the match went ahead as the worst of the predicted downpour stayed away.
After the final whistle, Norway's players led by drum beating Martin Odegaard sat on the pitch and performed the Viking row celebration made iconic by their fans.
Patrick Berg commented on the celebration and fan energy:
At the start, I think people doubted a little bit, like is this something that's going to last or just something that's going to die off? But it's been a massive part of our World Cup so far. I feel the energy that we create together with [the fans] is really important for us.
Alexander Sorloth said after the game:
It was incredibly fun. When you hear the sound, it's magical.
Supporters had packed Times Square earlier in the day.
Key moments from New York
- 43: GOAL. Sub Pedersen opens scoring after mistakes by Koulibaly and Mendy
- 45: POST. Haaland hits the post after another Mendy error
- 48: GOAL. Haaland rifles home into the roof of the net to become Norway's all time leading scorer at World Cups
- 53: GOAL. Ismaila Sarr pulls one back with an excellent finish after being set up by Mane's neat flick on the edge of the box
- 58: GOAL. Haaland's close range finish restores Norway's two goal cushion
- 90+3: GOAL. Ismaila Sarr's composed finish sets up a nervy finish in East Rutherford
Norway now face France on Friday to decide the Group I winner. Senegal must rack up goals in their final group match against Iraq that same day if they are to join Norway and France in the knockouts.
