Haaland breaks Ivorian hearts, fires Norway into World Cup last 16

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A late strike from Erling Haaland propelled Norway into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday.

With extra time looming after Ivory Coast had battled back to level the scores, Haaland delivered the decisive blow in the 86th minute, breaking Ivorian hearts and sealing Norway’s place in the next round, where they will face Brazil.

Norway struck first in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa, who produced a moment of brilliance by weaving past defenders before curling a superb effort into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Ivory Coast, however, refused to surrender and dominated large spells of the second half. Nicolas Pépé and Franck Kessié both came close to restoring parity, but Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a string of impressive saves to keep his side ahead.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute when substitute Amad Diallo dazzled his way into the penalty area before firing an unstoppable shot into the net to level the contest at 1-1.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the Elephants pushed for a winner, but their attacking ambition left spaces at the back.

Norway capitalised with four minutes remaining. Martin Ødegaard picked out Haaland inside the box, and the prolific striker calmly slotted past Fofana to restore his side’s lead and ultimately settle the tie.

Ivory Coast threw everything forward during seven minutes of stoppage time, earning late corners and dangerous free-kicks, but Nyland stood firm as Norway’s defence repelled the sustained pressure.

The defeat ends Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign despite an energetic second-half display, while Norway advances to the Round of 16 with renewed confidence after edging one of Africa’s strongest sides.