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Erling Haaland and his Norway teammates showed off their rowing talents after clinching a spot in the World Cup's round of 32. But those skills are still not better than Haaland's main sport.
"It’s my specialty to score goals," Haaland said. "I’m just really good at scoring goals."
Haaland scored twice to raise his World Cup goals total to four, and the Vikings clinched advancement to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a slog 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 New York New Jersey Stadium, facing their red-shirted supporters, Haaland sitting in front as teammate Martin Ødegaard banged on a bongo drum. They alternated with the fans performing the Viking Row — chanting "Ro!" while mimicking oarsmen.
"It was fun," Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. "We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but this can be a gimmick during the tournament."
Marcus Pederson had put the Vikings ahead in the 43rd minute after replacing an injured teammate, and Haaland kept up his incredible goals streak in the 48th and 58th minutes to build a 3-1 lead.
"He's very efficient," 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 the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, capping an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead. He then joined Ødegaard and paid homage to Thierry Henry by doing the French World Cup winner's trademark corner flag celebration.
For his second goal, Haaland tunneled through the defense and 8 yards out raised his weaker right foot to volley in Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised a hand to an ear to inspire the Norway supporters.
Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international games — scoring at least once in every match — and 59 goals in 52 international appearances. The 25-year-old striker joined England's Harry Kane in 2018 as the only players in the last 50 years with two-goal games in both of their first two World Cup appearances.
He is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and tied with France's Kylian Mbappé. Haaland nearly got another in first-half stoppage time, hitting a post after Mendy lost control of the ball.
"He did miss an open goal. He could have scored even four," Solbakken said. "He is the best striker — he is not playing 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 slightly worse, then we would be in trouble," Solbakken said.
Senegal is 0-2 in a World Cup for the first time and needs a win over Iraq (0-2) to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.
"We've got everything left to play for," Thaw said.
Haaland Quips On France's Chances: ‘They’ll Win The Whole Thing'
Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway (2-0) is assured of advancing from Group I along with France. The Vikings need to beat Les Bleus on Friday for first place and what would appear to be an easier path in the knockout bracket.
But Haaland didn't seem to be concerned about that blockbuster match against Mbappé and Co., shrugging off what will be one of the most anticipated games of the group stage.
"I couldn't care too much about that game now. They're probably going to win against us. They're probably going to win the tournament," Haaland said after Monday's game.
But all eyes turn to that game, this night belonged to Haaland. 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, causing announcements for fans to leave the stadium bowl for sheltered space. At least the fans were able to witness yet another memorable performance by one of the game's biggest stars.
"Let’s be happy," Haaland said, "every single Norwegian on the planet today."
Norway vs Senegal Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™
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