Senegal Fall to Norway as Algeria Stage Historic Comeback Against Jordan
Senegal’s hopes of automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages suffered a setback after a 3-2 defeat to Norway, while Algeria boosted their chances of progression with a dramatic comeback victory over Jordan.
Norway secured their place in the Round of 32 thanks to a brace from star striker Erling Haaland and an early strike from Marcus Pedersen.
Pedersen opened the scoring in the first half before Haaland took centre stage after the break, netting twice to put the Europeans firmly in control.
Senegal fought back through a determined Ismaila Sarr, who scored both of the Lions of Teranga’s goals, but the Africans were unable to find an equaliser despite creating several opportunities late in the match.
The result sends Norway through to the knockout stage, where they will face France in their final group match to determine the Group H winners.
Haaland’s two goals also moved him onto four goals for the tournament, level with Kylian Mbappe and just one behind current Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi.
Senegal must now defeat Iraq in their final group fixture and hope other results go in their favour to secure a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Algeria Record Historic Comeback Win
Elsewhere, Algeria produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 and keep their qualification hopes alive in Group J.
Jordan struck first through Nizar Al Rashdan in the 36th minute and appeared on course for a famous victory.
However, the Desert Foxes responded strongly after the break, dominating possession and creating numerous chances before substitute Nadhir Benbouali levelled the scores.
Amine Gouiri then completed the turnaround with the winning goal to hand Algeria a crucial three points.
The victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time Algeria had won a World Cup match after conceding the opening goal.
The result leaves the North Africans in a strong position heading into their final group match, while Jordan’s defeat confirmed their elimination from the tournament ahead of their closing fixture against group winners Argentina.
