Norway booked their place in the World Cup last 16 after Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the closing stages to secure victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas. The Manchester City forward, who had been largely kept under control for most of the contest, reacted quickest to Patrick Berg’s cutback in the 86th minute, turning the ball home from close range.
The win carries additional significance for Norway, who claimed a World Cup knockout victory for the first time. Haaland also extended his remarkable scoring streak, finding the net in a 13th consecutive competitive international for his country.
Their reward is a last-16 meeting with Brazil, who advanced after a comeback victory against Japan. The tie is scheduled for Sunday, 5 July, at 21:00 BST, with a potential quarter-final against England awaiting the winner.
Nusa and Amad provide moments of quality
The breakthrough arrived six minutes before half-time through Antonio Nusa, whose outstanding individual effort put Norway ahead. The RB Leipzig winger drove in from the left before curling a right-footed finish into the top corner, giving the Ivorians a deficit to overturn.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae had started with a more cautious 4-1-4-1 system and left Amad Diallo among the substitutes. His team struggled to create meaningful opportunities before the interval and, after falling behind, was forced to become more adventurous.
The introduction of Amad transformed the attacking threat. The Manchester United winger equalised in the 74th minute by cutting inside from the right, beating two defenders and calmly finishing for his second goal of the tournament, raising hopes that extra time would be required.
Haaland has the final word
Shortly before Ivory Coast levelled the score, Norway missed a huge opportunity to double their advantage. Centre-back Torbjorn Heggem connected with a volley from four yards, but Amad produced an outstanding clearance on the goal line to deny him.
The closing minutes remained tense, with both sides searching for another breakthrough. Norway eventually found it when Berg’s low pass into the area reached Haaland, who bundled the ball over the line from close range to restore his team’s lead.
Amad nearly rescued Ivory Coast again in the dying moments, but his powerful 25-yard free-kick was pushed away by Norway goalkeeper Orlan Nyland, allowing the Norwegians to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
Pressure, milestones and what comes next
The occasion carried special importance for both nations. It represented Ivory Coast’s first appearance in a World Cup knockout match, while Norway had reached this stage for the first time in 28 years. Long periods of the game reflected that tension, with neither side consistently producing their best football.
Ivory Coast teenager Yan Diomande found it difficult to influence proceedings as Norway’s defence limited his impact. One notable challenge came when David Moller Wolfe halted the 19-year-old with a firm body check as he threatened to break away.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard quietly controlled much of his side’s play and created Nusa’s opening goal. The assist made him only the third player on record to set up a goal in each of his first three World Cup appearances. Haaland ultimately ensured Norway’s historic evening ended in celebration with another decisive finish, his fifth goal across three World Cup matches.