Late Haaland madness! Norway survive Ivory Coast thriller 2-1 to set up Brazil clash

Norway booked their place in the Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, with Erling Haaland once again delivering on the biggest stage with a late winner in Dallas.

The first half came to life in the closing stages, with Norway heading into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Ivory Coast, despite trailing at half-time, were the better side for the opening 30 minutes and looked more likely to break the deadlock. Their best moments came through Konan, who fired into the side-netting, while Pepe was unable to find Bonny with a dangerous ball across the six-yard box.

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Norway eventually found the breakthrough in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa, who scored his ninth goal for his country. The winger produced a moment of individual brilliance, dribbling into the penalty area before curling a right-footed strike into the top-right corner, leaving Yahia Fofana with no chance.

Nusa’s goal was historic, as he became the first player to score for Norway in the knockout stage of the World Cup in 88 years.

Erling Haaland continued his incredible international form, scoring in each of his last 13 competitive appearances for Norway and taking his tally to 25 goals in that run. Pics: FIFA/X

Norway almost doubled their lead shortly after, with Erling Haaland seeing his effort blocked by Agbadou inside the six-yard box, before Alexander Sørloth failed to direct his header on target from a corner. At the break, Norway held the advantage in expected goals, leading 0.68 xG to 0.44 xG.

Ivory Coast equalise

Ivory Coast came out with renewed urgency after the restart, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, while Norway remained composed and focused on protecting their narrow lead without taking unnecessary risks.

Their pressure eventually paid off through a moment of individual brilliance from Amad Diallo. The substitute brought Ivory Coast level with a sensational solo effort, combining with Pepe for a one-two before weaving past Møller Wolfe and Berge, and calmly bending his shot beyond Nyland to make it 1-1 in Dallas.

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Diallo’s strike was historic as well, making him only the third player to score twice as a substitute for an African nation at a single FIFA World Cup, after Roger Milla for Cameroon in 1990 (four goals) and Pape Gueye for Senegal this year (two goals).

However, Norway quickly regained control after the equaliser. Since Ivory Coast’s goal, Norway enjoyed over 75% possession and looked the more likely side to find a winner in regulation time.

Haaland finds the equaliser

That winner arrived in the 85th minute, and unsurprisingly, it was Haaland who stepped up.

Bobb played a brilliant pass through to Berg, who timed his run beyond the attack before delivering a cross across the box. Haaland was there to tap home from close range and send Norway into the next round.

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The Manchester City striker continued his incredible international form, scoring in each of his last 13 competitive appearances for Norway and taking his tally to 25 goals in that run. The goal was also Haaland’s fifth of the tournament, keeping him firmly in the Golden Boot race behind Lionel Messi, who leads with six goals.

Another late knockout-stage winner added more drama to this World Cup, with Haaland once again proving to be Norway’s difference-maker. They now move on to a Round of 16 clash against Brazil, while Ivory Coast’s impressive campaign ends with heartbreak after falling just short.