Erling Haaland struck late to give Norway a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Texas on Tuesday, sending his side into the World Cup last 16 against five-time champions Brazil.
The Manchester City forward poked home from close range in the 86th minute for his fifth goal of the tournament. It marked Norway’s first knockout-stage win in the country’s World Cup history, and Haaland appeared visibly emotional at the final whistle.
Norway will meet Brazil on Sunday in New Jersey, with a quarter-final place on the line. Captain Martin Odegaard, who will come up against Arsenal club teammates Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, said the tie carries huge significance for the team.
“Meeting Brazil in the World Cup is as big as it can be,” Odegaard said. “It’s amazing to have him (Haaland) in the team, we’re lucky to have him and it’s just about giving him as many opportunities as possible.”
Nusa Opens Scoring Before Diallo Levels for Ivory Coast
The first half was cagey before Antonio Nusa broke the deadlock six minutes before the interval, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the top corner after a pass from Odegaard. It ranked among the better goals of the tournament so far.
Ivory Coast introduced Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who changed the game’s tempo almost immediately. He first denied Norway a second goal with a goal-line intervention, then leveled the score in the 74th minute with a driving run and finish past several defenders.
Diallo said his side’s discipline slipped at the wrong moment, allowing Haaland the space to win it. “When you leave Erling Haaland alone in a match, you pay the price,” he said. “We’re a little disappointed because we thought we could go further in this competition. But we’re also proud of ourselves because we’ve accomplished something that previous generations perhaps hadn’t managed.”
Haaland’s Late Strike Continues Remarkable Scoring Run
With the game heading toward extra time, Haaland converted a cross from Patrick Berg to complete the turnaround. The goal extended his scoring streak to 13 straight competitive internationals, taking his tally in that run to 25 goals.
Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland also played a decisive role, producing a stop late on to deny a Diallo free kick and preserve the win.
Ivory Coast, appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time, had chances throughout the second half. Nicolas Pépé was denied by Nyland, and the team pushed forward repeatedly as Norway held on.
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Youngster Yan Diomande Impresses for Ivory Coast
Nineteen-year-old winger Yan Diomande, tipped to join Paris Saint-Germain from RB Leipzig, was influential for Ivory Coast, particularly during a first-half spell when his side dominated possession. He was fouled just before the drinks break in an incident that went unpunished by referee Jesus Valenzuela, drawing frustration from Ivorian players and supporters.
Despite the exit, Ivory Coast’s run marks progress for one of the tournament’s youngest squads. Norway, meanwhile, moves on to face Brazil with belief building around Haaland’s continued scoring form.
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