Jakarta. Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 on Monday night to secure a place in the World Cup round of 32.

Haaland raised his tournament tally to four goals as the “Vikings” clinched knockout-stage qualification in a hard-fought match that proved more slog than sail at MetLife Stadium.

“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”

After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered in a tight formation inside the penalty area at the stadium’s north end, facing their red-clad supporters. Haaland sat in front as teammate Martin Ødegaard beat a bongo drum while fans performed the “Viking Row,” chanting “Ro!” and 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 Pedersen put Norway ahead in the 43rd minute after coming on for an injured teammate, before Haaland struck in the 48th and 58th minutes to give his side a 3-1 lead.

“He’s very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.

Haaland latched onto a pass from Ødegaard and slotted a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Édouard Mendy for his first goal, capping a swift counterattack.

For his second, he broke through the defense and volleyed in from close range after a pass from Patrick Berg, celebrating by cupping a hand to his ear toward the Norwegian supporters.

The 25-year-old now has 24 goals in his last 12 international appearances, scoring in every match during that span, and 59 goals in 52 international caps. He is second in the Golden Boot race, one goal behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and level with France’s Kylian Mbappé.

Haaland nearly added another before halftime but struck the post after Mendy lost control of the ball.

“He did miss an open goal. He could have scored four,” Solbakken said. “He is the best striker — he is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”

Ismaïla Sarr scored both goals for Senegal, in the 53rd minute and in second-half stoppage time, to set up a tense finish.

“If we had just played slightly worse, then we would be in trouble,” Solbakken said.

Norway, making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, is assured of advancing from Group I along with France. It will face France on Friday for top spot and potentially a more favorable knockout draw.

Senegal, now 0-2, is facing its first winless group-stage exit since returning to the tournament. It must beat Iraq and hope results elsewhere go its way to have any chance of advancing.

“We’ve got everything left to play for,” Thiaw said.

Pedersen, who entered in the 13th minute for his World Cup debut, scored after errors by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Mendy. Ødegaard’s pass was cleared by Koulibaly straight to Pedersen, who finished inside the near post despite getting a touch from Mendy.

Mendy later left the match in the 63rd minute due to injury.

Rain that had threatened the match cleared before kickoff but returned after the final whistle, prompting announcements for fans to seek shelter.

“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said. “Every single Norwegian on the planet today.”

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