Haaland's late goal sinks Ivory Coast, sets up Norway's World Cup clash with Brazil
A late goal from Erling Haaland gave Norway a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, securing their first-ever knockout victory at a World Cup and a round-of-16 meeting with Brazil.
Norwegian resilience under early pressure
At Dallas, Ivory Coast dominated the opening stages. Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pépé caused constant problems down the flanks, and Norway's back line, anchored by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, withstood the early assault despite being stretched (especially on the left). Manager Ståle Solbakken deployed Alexander Sørloth as a right winger, which left the attack narrow; Martin Ødegaard often had to drop deep just to touch the ball. For long spells, the Scandinavians struggled to string passes together.
Nusa's moment of brilliance
The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa, the 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger, cut inside from the left, exchanged a one-two with Sander Berge, and unleashed a curling right-footed shot into the top corner. It was Nusa's first goal of the tournament and, by several accounts, a work of art that gave Norway an undeserved lead.
Diallo's equaliser restores hope
Ivory Coast responded after the interval. Substitute Amad Diallo, who had earlier cleared a Norwegian effort off the line, drew the Elephants level in the 75th minute. The Manchester United forward weaved past two defenders inside the box and drove a left-footed finish past Nyland. The goal reignited belief among the Ivorian supporters and forced Norway to push again.
Haaland's decisive intervention
With extra time looming, the match was decided by the tournament's leading scorer. Erling Haaland had been largely anonymous, but in the 86th minute he positioned himself to convert a cross from Berg. The Manchester City striker's close-range finish was his fifth goal of the World Cup and his 12th in his last 12 international appearances. It was a typical Haaland moment (he now has 60 goals in 53 Norway caps) and it sealed Norway's first ever win in a World Cup knockout match.
- Antonio Nusa opens scoring for Norway in the 39th minute
- Amad Diallo equalises for Ivory Coast in the 75th minute
- Erling Haaland scores the winner for Norway in the 86th minute
What comes next
The victory sets up a round-of-16 clash with Brazil on Sunday, 5 July, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Norway returned to their full-strength lineup after resting several starters against France. The team now faces a five-time world champion in a fixture that will test the Scandinavian side's historic run.
