Matt Crooks' injury-time winner sent Norwich City into the World Cup break with a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough. 

Michael Carrick's men completed a second half comeback to come from a goal down to record three points in Norfolk - adding more frustration to an inconsistent first portion of the season for Dean Smith's men. 

Josh Sargent's early goal capped off a week to remember for the 22-year-old after he was named in the USA's World Cup squad by Gregg Berhalter.

He was sent through by Kenny McLean in the opening seven minutes, slotting into the net with aplomb - much to the delight of compatriot Mark Attanasio, who was watching from the director's box for the first time since his Canaries involvement became official. 

City's performance dipped dramatically thereafter, with Boro wrestling control of the contest in the second half. 

Riley McGree profited from some clumsy defending from City to equaliser after an hour before Crooks turned home Chuba Akpom's cross to ensure the Teessiders left Norfolk with all three points. 

Norwich City 

(4-3-1-2)  

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich City named an unchanged team for their clash against Middlesbrough. Norwich City named an unchanged team for their clash against Middlesbrough. (Image: Newsquest)

SUBS: 

1 Krul (GK)
9 Hugill (on for Sargent, 84)
14 Cantwell (on for Ramsey, 71)
25 Hernandez (on for Pukki, 62)
26 Nunez (on for Sara, 84)
30 Giannoulis (on for McCallum, 71)
46 Gibbs

Head coach: Dean Smith 

- Bookings: Hayden (foul on Akpom, 59)

Middlesbrough 

(4-2-3-1) 

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Carrick named an unchanged team as Middlesbrough faced Norwich City at Carrow Road.Michael Carrick named an unchanged team as Middlesbrough faced Norwich City at Carrow Road. (Image: Newsquest) 

SUBS: 

23 Roberts (GK)
4 Mowatt
9 Muniz (on for Akpom, 90+4)
13 Hoppe (on for Forss, 75)
15 Dijksteel (on for Jones, 90+4)
17 McNair
25 Crooks (on for McGree, 89)

Head coach: Michael Carrick 

- Bookings: Lenihan (foul on Sargent, 23), Forss (foul on Aarons, 41)

- Added on time: 3 mins/ 6 mins  

- Venue: Carrow Road 

- Attendance: 26,663

- Referee: Leigh Doughty

KEY MOMENTS 

2 - Boro carve out the first chance of the game as Smith crosses for Akpom, but he is unable to hit the target with his header.

6 - Ramsey nudges Hackney off the ball and feeds Pukki inside the box. The Finn looks to slot the ball past Steffen who denies his effort with his legs.

7 - GOAL NORWICH (SARGENT) - Sara's pass through to Pukki is intercepted by Fry. McLean cushions the ball into Sargent's path and the American forward finishes with aplomb. 1-0

13 - Ramsey exchanges passes with Sara before seeing his deflected effort beaten away unconvincingly by Steffen.

30 - Smith's cross is met by Jones, but Gibson blocks his shot at goal. 

33 - Sara latches onto McLean's flick on but his lofted effort hits the side netting

43 - A Boro corner ends with Akpom having the last touch with his head. Hayden did just about enough to prevent the striker making solid contact with the cross. 

HALF TIME – NORWICH CITY 1-0 MIDDLESBROUGH 

48 - Sargent's early second half shot is beaten away by Steffen following good work from Ramsey in the build up. 

52 - McGree's long-shot from range swerves over the bar, leaving Gunn untroubled. 

62 - Big chance for Boro as Giles' cross flies across the face of goal. Despite three blue shirts in the six yard area, none can make contact with the ball and it goes behind for a goal kick. 

64 - GOAL BORO - (MCGREE) - The Boro midfielder latches onto Howson's flick on acrobatically volleys it into the net to equalise for the visitors. 1-1

69 - Giles gets the better of Aarons and surges into the box. His finish is wild and lacks composure as Boro look to edge ahead 

74 - Akpom has a great chance to put Boro ahead after he peels off Gibson to meet Giles' cross from the left. He struggles to generate any power on his header and Gunn saves

75 - Sara's snapshot is beaten away by Steffen after Cantwell probes with the ball in the build up. 

76 - Giannoulis hits the byline and crosses into the box. Aarons meets it at the back post, controlling with his chest before rifling a shot wide of the post. 

82 - Hernandez has a glorious chance to score after Sara rolls through inside the box - the Cuban checks inside but fails to test Steffen. 

90+2 - GOAL BORO (CROOKS) - An excellent piece of skill from Akpom sends Jones racing into the Norwich area. His reverse ball finds the ex-Arsenal man who crosses for Crooks to finish. 1-2

90+9 - Hernandez has a chance to equalise but fires his shot wide deep into stoppage time. 

FULL TIME – NORWICH CITY 1-2 MIDDLESBROUGH 

Eastern Daily Press: New Norwich City director Mark Attanasio was in attendance at Carrow Road and enjoyed Josh Sargent's opener. New Norwich City director Mark Attanasio was in attendance at Carrow Road and enjoyed Josh Sargent's opener. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

SNAP RATINGS:  

Gunn 6; Aarons 5, Hanley 6, Gibson 6, McCallum 5; Hayden 5, McLean 6, Sara 7; Ramsey 6; Pukki 5, Sargent 7. SUBS: Hernandez 5, Giannoulis 5, Cantwell 5, Nunez N/A, Hugill N/A

MATCH STATS: 

(Norwich City – Middlesbrough) 

Possession: 44% - 56% 

Shots:  12 - 11

Shots on Target: 6 - 3 

Corners: 3 -  4

Fouls:  9 - 10