Erling Haaland strikes late as Norway edge past Ivory Coast into last 16
Erling Haaland’s 86th-minute winner broke Ivorian hearts in Dallas as Norway secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast to advance to the World Cup Round of 16.
Erling Haaland proved to be the ultimate difference-maker as his late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Norway, ending Ivory Coast’s historic World Cup run and booking the Scandinavians a spot in the Round of 16. The Manchester City striker had cut a peripheral figure for much of the evening in Dallas, but came alive when it mattered most to steer home Patrick Berg’s cross with just four minutes remaining.
For long periods, it looked as though the night would belong to Ivorian substitute Amad Diallo. Introduced on the hour mark, the Manchester United winger made history by becoming the first player to score for Ivory Coast in a World Cup knockout match. He first produced a goal-line clearance to prevent Norway from doubling their lead, before launching a mesmerizing solo slalom run to fire home a brilliant equalizer.
Norway had initially taken the lead shortly before the interval against the run of play. While the African side created the cleaner openings in the first half-hour with Ghislain Konan hitting the side-netting it was Antonio Nusa who broke the deadlock. Found by Martin Ødegaard on the left edge of the penalty area, the winger jinked inside and unleashed a spectacular curling strike into the top corner past Yahia Fofana.
The goal sparked a brief flurry from Stale Solbakken’s side, with Haaland seeing a volley deflected wide and Alexander Sørloth missing a golden header from the resulting corner. However, the Elephants fought back with immense character in the second half, heavily accumulating 14 corners in total as they chased the match.
Ultimately, Ivory Coast’s youthful exuberance was met with a harsh lesson in tournament ruthlessness. Just as momentum looked to be shifting toward extra time, Haaland found space in the box to deliver the knockout blow. Norway hold on to seal their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match, setting up a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against Brazil.
