Dark horses on track – Nusa could now face Diomande | OneFootball

Two games, two wins: Norway are living up to their billing as dark horses at the 2026 World Cup. After opening with a 4-1 victory over Iraq, the side featuring RBL attacker Antonio Nusa followed it up with a 3-2 win over Senegal in the early hours of Tuesday morning to book their place in the knockout stages.

“It was a fantastic game and a brilliant advert for football,” Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken told television reporters after the final whistle. “We came up against one of the two best teams in Africa, and we were the better side.”

Nusa goes close to the opener

Toni Nusa could have given Norway an early lead, but his deflected effort flew narrowly wide (2’). Our attacker, once again starting on the left wing, continued to pose a threat. In the 37th minute, he picked out Erling Haaland with an excellent long pass. Haaland then laid the ball off to Martin Ødegaard, whose effort was saved by the Senegal goalkeeper.

Marcus Pedersen eventually broke the deadlock for Norway shortly before half time (43’). Star striker Haaland then struck twice after the restart (48’, 58’), although Senegal twice reduced the deficit through Ismaïla Sarr (53’, 90’+3).

Top spot still up for grabs

Sarr’s second goal carried some significance for Norway. Had the match finished 3-1, they would only have needed a draw against France at 21:00 CEST on Friday to win the group. Les Blues now hold a narrow advantage on goal difference, meaning Nusa and his teammates must win to claim top spot.

As things stand, Norway would finish second and face the runners-up from Group E, currently the Ivory Coast. That could set up a round-of-32 meeting between Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande.

Should Norway overtake France, they would currently face Sweden instead. A meeting with Germany could then follow in the next round. That remains some way off, however, with plenty still capable of changing on the final group matchday.

Haaland plays down Norway’s chances

Erling Haaland, who already has four goals at the tournament, played down Norway’s prospects against France: “They’ll probably beat us. They’ll probably win the whole tournament.”

But football does not always follow the form book. Norway have already shown why they are considered dark horses, and they should not be written off on Friday night.

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