Haaland’s Late Goal Sends Norway Through to World Cup Last 16
Norway secured their first-ever knockout victory at a FIFA World Cup after a hard‑fought 2‑1 win over Ivory Coast. The decisive moment came in the dying minutes when Erling Braut Haaland pounced on a square pass from Patrick Berg to restore Norway’s lead and end the Africans’ historic run.
The match began with Norway asserting early pressure. Haaland tested the Ivorian defence shortly after kickoff, but Ivory Coast settled into the game and created chances of their own. Nicolas Pépé forced a save from Ørjan Nyland after meeting Yan Diomandé’s cross, while Ghislain Konan saw his effort rattled the side netting.
Just before the break, Antonio Nusa unlocked the deadlock with a sublime curling shot from the left that beat Yahia Fofana, giving Norway a 1‑0 advantage heading into halftime.
After the restart, Ivory Coast responded with vigor. Pépé again threatened Nyland from close range, and Norway continued to look dangerous. Amad Diallo made a crucial goal‑line clearance to deny Torbjørn Heggem before turning the tide at the opposite end.
The Manchester United winger produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through the Norwegian backline and finishing emphatically to level the score. The goal revived Ivory Coast’s hopes, but Haaland had the final word.
Receiving a precise square pass from Patrick Berg inside the box, Haaland coolly slotted the ball home to put Norway back in front. Nyland then preserved the lead by tipping a dangerous free‑kick from Amad Diallo over the crossbar in the closing stages.
With the victory, Norway advance to face Brazil in a quarter‑final‑determining clash. Ivory Coast depart the tournament with pride, having delivered their best-ever World Cup performance despite the heartbreaking exit.
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