'I made mistakes' - Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly admits responsibility for Norway defeat

The result left Senegal facing a difficult task to reach the knockout stages, with Norway striker Erling Haaland proving decisive by scoring twice in a crucial victory for the Scandinavians.

Ismaila Sarr netted both of Senegal's goals, including a late effort in stoppage time, but the Lions of Teranga were unable to recover after falling two goals behind during the second half.

Norway started strongly and could have taken an early lead, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced important saves to deny Kristoffer Ajer and Martin Odegaard.

The breakthrough eventually came after a costly error from Koulibaly. Substitute Marcus Pedersen took advantage and finished beyond Mendy. Just three minutes later, Odegaard threaded a clever pass through the Senegal defence and Haaland calmly found the net to double Norway's advantage.

Sarr pulled a goal back to give Senegal hope, but Haaland struck again after meeting an excellent delivery from Patrick Berg. Senegal's problems increased when Mendy was forced off through injury. Although Sarr scored again late on, Norway held firm to secure all three points.

After the match, Koulibaly did not hide his disappointment and admitted his mistakes played a major role in the defeat.

"Top-level football is all about the details. The team that makes the fewest mistakes often wins," said Koulibaly.

"Today, I made a lot of mistakes. It's a real shame to lose a match like that. We know the level of the World Cup is very high and we made too many mistakes to win this match."

The experienced defender praised his teammates for their response despite the setback.

"I think the team reacted well mentally. The players did everything they could to snatch a draw," he added.

Koulibaly also insisted Senegal would continue fighting for qualification ahead of their final group match against Iraq in Toronto on 26 June.

"Now, we have to believe until the end. We're going to try to play a great match and win against Iraq," he said.

Senegal must beat Iraq and rely on other results going their way if they are to progress to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

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