4 min learnNew DelhiJul 1, 2026 01:11 AM IST
It had been 28 years since Norway final performed a FIFA World Cup knockout sport, but it surely was nicely definitely worth the await the Nordic nation once they beat a valiant Ivory Coast 2-1 with a late objective from, who else, Erling Haaland.
The match gave the impression to be progressing in the direction of further time when the Manchester Metropolis phenom discovered the online with a slightly fortuitous end previous goalkeeper Yahia Fofana after a sq. go from Patrick Berg.
The Scandinavians had been set on their method by Antonio Nusa with a luxurious curling strike within the first half, earlier than Amad Diallo put the cat among the many pigeons with an equally eye-catching equaliser with somewhat over 1 / 4 of an hour of regular time left.
Tranquility reigned supreme in Dallas for 37 minutes. Maybe unexpectedly so, given Norway’s popularity as one of many event’s most prolific attacking forces. Ståle Solbakken’s aspect had plundered 37 targets in eight qualifying matches earlier than including one other eight within the group stage. Main the road for the group was Haaland, who had scored 20 of these 45 targets, and required solely 43 minutes to change into his nation’s main goal-scorer on the World Cup.
What was ignored within the build-up to the Spherical of 32 sport, nonetheless, was Ivory Coast’s defensive prowess. Emerse Faé’s aspect had not conceded a objective throughout 10 qualifying matches and confirmed little inclination to give up that file right here. The plan gave the impression to be working. Haaland had just one contact within the first 20 minutes, and Norway had solely a tame half-attempt within the first 37.
Norway’s Erling Haaland (9) poses after the World Cup spherical of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, close to Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Picture/Jessica Tobias)
That was till Nusa took issues into his personal palms. Three orange shirts marked the winger when he acquired a go from captain Martin Odegaard down the appropriate flank. The objective arrived precisely three seconds later, following a sequence of occasions: sending Nicolas Pepe the flawed method with a magician’s deception, opening his physique with a gymnast’s flexibility, and curling a shot between Franck Kessie and Fofana with an archer’s accuracy.
With their fort breached, Ivory Coast had just one choice within the second half — to throw the kitchen sink. They did so, after which threw some extra. 9 makes an attempt within the second half, versus 5 within the first. Ultimately, within the 74th minute, their persistence was rewarded.
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Diallo glided past David Møller Wolfe and Sander Berge as if neither existed earlier than steering an immaculate end past Ørjan Nyland. At 1-1, momentum had swung decisively in favour of the African aspect.
The sport appeared destined for further time, when Ivory Coast realized why Haaland is inexorable. Oscar Bobb sliced via Faé’s prized defence with a wonderfully weighted go into Berg. The midfielder’s activity was easy: return the ball into the hazard space with full religion that Haaland would occupy the house. He did, as he so typically does.
The chaos engineered by Nusa and Haaland had damaged via the proud defensive wall of the Ivorians, not as soon as however twice.
When requested why he loves chaos, Nusa as soon as replied: “As a result of my idol Neymar creates chaos on the pitch along with his dribbling, identical to me.” Haaland has supplied his personal variation on the theme: “I benefit from the chaos round me.”
Brazil awaits within the Spherical of 16.