Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway secured a historic 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in Texas on Tuesday, booking a last-16 showdown with Brazil.
The Manchester City striker prodded home from close range in the 86th minute, his fifth goal of the tournament, to secure Norway’s first-ever knockout stage victory in World Cup history.
Nusa Stunner Breaks Deadlock
After a sluggish first half, Antonio Nusa lit up the impressive air-conditioned AT&T Stadium six minutes before the interval with one of the tournament’s standout goals. The 21-year-old, fed by captain Martin Ødegaard, cut inside before curling a magnificent effort into the top corner.
Côte d’Ivoire, one of the tournament’s youngest sides, had started brightly with Ghislain Konan testing the side-netting early on. The African side’s frustrations grew when referee Jesus Valenzuela opted against booking Norway defender David Møller Wolfe following a challenge on livewire winger Yan Diomande.
Diallo Inspires Fightback
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo entered the fray on the hour mark and immediately made his presence felt, first clearing off the line to deny Norway a second goal before producing a stunning equaliser on 74 minutes.
The winger danced past two challenges before firing home a spectacular leveller that silenced the Norwegian contingent.
Haaland Heroics Seal Historic Win
With extra time looming, the predator supreme struck. Patrick Berg’s cross found Haaland at the far post, and the striker made no mistake from close range to send Norway through.
Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland preserved the victory with a flying save from Diallo’s well-struck free-kick in stoppage time.
The Scandinavians, runners-up to France in their group, now face five-time champions Brazil on Sunday in New Jersey with a quarter-final berth at stake.
