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Erling Haaland and his Norwegian teammates showed off their rowing skills after securing a place in the World Cup round of 16. But these skills are still no better than Haaland’s main sport.
“Scoring goals is my specialty,” Haaland said. “I’m really good at scoring goals.”
Haaland scored twice to bring his World Cup goal total to four, and the Vikings clinched qualification for the round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday night that was more work than sail.
After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered in a 10-row formation just inside the penalty area at the north end of New York New Jersey Stadium, facing their red-shirted fans, Haaland sitting in front while teammate Martin Ødegaard banged on a bongo drum. They alternated with fans running Viking Row while chanting “Ro!” by imitating the rowers.
“It was fun,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We won’t row after the World Cup, but it could be a gimmick during the tournament.”
Marcus Pederson had given the Vikings the lead in the 43rd minute after replacing an injured teammate, and Haaland continued his incredible scoring streak in the 48th and 58th minutes to take a 3-1 lead.
“He is very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.
Haaland honors Henry with corner flag celebration
Haaland raced onto Martin Ødegaard’s pass and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s outstretched left hand, capping an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead. He then joined Ødegaard and paid tribute to Thierry Henry by organizing the French World Cup winner’s corner flag celebration.
For his second goal, Haaland broke through the defense and lifted his weaker right foot 8 meters to volley into Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised his hand to his ear to inspire the Norwegian fans.
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 his first two World Cup appearances.
He is second in the race for the Golden Shoe, behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and tied with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé. Haaland almost got another in first-half injury time, hitting a post 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 scored both goals for the Teranga Lions, in the 53rd minute and in the third minute of stoppage time in the second half.
“If we had played a little worse, we would have been in trouble,” Solbakken said.
Senegal is 0-2 at the World Cup for the first time and needs a victory against Iraq (0-2) to have a chance of qualifying for third place.
“We have everything left to play for,” Thaw said.
Haaland jokes about France’s chances: ‘They’ll win it all’
For its first participation in a World Cup since 1998, Norway (2-0) is guaranteed to exit Group I alongside France. The Vikings must beat the Blues on Friday for first place and what appears to be an easier path into the knockout stage.
But Haaland seemed unconcerned about this blockbuster match against Mbappé and Co., ignoring what will be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
“I don’t care about this game now. They’ll probably win against us. They’ll probably win the tournament,” Haaland said after Monday’s match.
But all eyes are on this match, this evening belonged to Haaland. Although there were storm warnings, a downpour stopped more than 3 1/2 hours before kickoff. The skies opened again after the final whistle, prompting calls for fans to leave the stadium bowl for a sheltered area. At least fans got to witness another memorable performance from one of the game’s biggest stars.
“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every Norwegian on the planet today.”
