By Daniel Akinte
Norway will look to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage when they take on Senegal in a crucial Group I encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.
The Scandinavians head into the match full of confidence after an impressive opening-day victory, while Senegal are desperate to bounce back from defeat and keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.
Norway eye early qualification
Ståle Solbakken’s side made a statement in their first World Cup appearance of the modern era, cruising to a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq.
The star of the show was Erling Haaland, who marked his World Cup debut with a brace before Leo Østigård and an own goal completed the scoring.
That result lifted Norway to the top of Group I, ahead of France on goal difference, and another victory would guarantee their passage to the Round of 32 regardless of the outcome of France’s meeting with Iraq.
The win also provided a timely boost for a Norwegian side that had struggled for consistency in the build-up to the tournament, winning just one of their final four warm-up matches.
However, they remain unbeaten in their last four outings and possess one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units.
Defensively, though, Norway have shown signs of vulnerability, managing just one clean sheet in their last seven matches.
Senegal searching for a response
Senegal’s World Cup campaign began with disappointment despite a spirited display against France. Pape Thiaw’s men threatened the 2022 runners-up at times but ultimately fell 3-1, with Kylian Mbappé’s brace proving decisive.
One bright spark was teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye, whose goal made him the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup. The 18-year-old’s performance has increased calls for him to start against Norway.
The Lions of Teranga know another defeat could leave them facing elimination, especially if France avoid defeat against Iraq. Senegal are also seeking to end a difficult run of form, having failed to win any of their last three matches across all competitions.
Despite their recent struggles, the West Africans possess plenty of quality through experienced figures such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Nicolas Jackson, giving them every chance of upsetting the group leaders.
Team news
Norway appear to have received positive fitness updates ahead of the match. David Møller Wolfe and Julian Ryerson both came through minor injury concerns following the win over Iraq and are expected to be available.
That means Solbakken could name an unchanged side, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings behind the formidable attacking trio of Alexander Sørloth, Haaland and Antonio Nusa.
Senegal also have a fully fit squad. While Mbaye’s impressive cameo against France has strengthened his case for a starting role, coach Thiaw may stick with the front three of Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Mané.
Probable lineups
Norway:
Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Senegal:
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mané.
Prediction
With Haaland leading Norway’s attack and Senegal boasting plenty of pace and creativity going forward, goals should be expected at both ends.
Neither side has looked particularly convincing defensively in recent matches, which could make for an entertaining contest.