Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway defeated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 to advance to the World Cup last 16, vindicating coach Ståle Solbakken's gamble of resting most of his squad in the final group game against France.
Haaland's decisive strike
With four minutes remaining, Haaland bundled in the winner, his 60th goal in his 53rd appearance for Norway. The goal came from a setup by Patrick Berg, the only player to start both of Norway's last two matches. Despite Haaland appearing to mis-hit the ball, it bounced off him and into the net, sparking wild celebrations among Norway fans.
"He's the greatest goalscorer in the world," said Solbakken. "He brings coldness to the team. He's very underrated in terms of holding the ball up. To score five goals in the World Cup for a little country like Norway, I don't think even he thought he could do anything like that. I wouldn't swap him for anyone."
Norway's path to victory
Norway took a first-half lead through Antonio Nusa, who received a pass from Martin Ødegaard, stepped inside Nicolas Pépé, and curled a precise finish past Yahia Fofana. Côte d'Ivoire dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, a recurring issue since their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
However, Amad Diallo turned the game with a stunning substitute performance. He made a remarkable clearance to deny Torbjørn Heggem a certain goal, then scored a brilliant equaliser with 16 minutes remaining, picking the ball up on the right, playing a one-two with Pépé, and bouncing a finish past Ørjan Nyland. "We knew he would give us a lot when he came in and that's what happened," said Côte d'Ivoire coach Emerse Faé, dismissing suggestions that Diallo should have started.
Solbakken's gamble pays off
Solbakken had faced sharp criticism for resting key players, including Haaland, in the group stage finale against France, a decision that disappointed fans who paid hundreds of dollars to see Haaland face Kylian Mbappé. The coach acknowledged that his policy would be judged on the result of this match.
"Every man from 100 years to two years old is rowing now," said Solbakken, referring to the Viking row celebration led by Ødegaard. Norway had only played two knockout games in their history: in 1938 and 1998, both losses to Italy. This victory breaks that duck.
Last-16 clash with Brazil
Norway will now face Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium in the last 16. Brazil is the only international team Norway has played against but never beaten. The matchup also features a duel between Haaland and Gabriel Magalhães.
In stoppage time, Nyland made a superb flailing save to keep out a Diallo free-kick, preserving Norway's lead. The Norwegian longboat rows on.
