Erling Haaland bundled in a late winner as Norway beat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16, vindicating coach Ståle Solbakken's decision to rest most of his first-choice players in the final group match. The goal, Haaland's 60th in 53 appearances for his country, came with four minutes remaining and sparked celebrations as players and fans performed a Viking row led by Martin Ødegaard.
Solbakken's Gamble Pays Off
Solbakken had faced criticism for resting stars against France, but the result justified his policy. "He's the greatest goalscorer in the world," Solbakken said of Haaland. "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."
Norway will now face Brazil in the last 16 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Brazil have never beaten Norway in international football, adding an extra edge to the clash between Gabriel Magalhães and Haaland.
First-Half Lead Through Nusa
Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead six minutes before halftime, cutting inside from the left and bending a precise finish past Yahia Fofana after being set up by Ødegaard. Norway controlled the game for much of the second half, with Côte d'Ivoire struggling to create clear chances despite dominating possession.
Côte d'Ivoire, who had never advanced from a World Cup group before, found their equaliser through substitute Amad Diallo. With 16 minutes remaining, Diallo picked up the ball on the right, played a sharp one-two with Nicolas Pépé, swayed past a fourth defender, and bounced a finish past Ørjan Nyland. "We knew he would give us a lot when he came in and that's what happened," said coach Emerse Faé.
Dramatic Finish
Diallo had earlier made a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny Torbjørn Heggem, but Haaland's winner silenced the Ivorian resurgence. The ball bounced off Haaland rather than being struck cleanly, but the finish was enough to send Norway through. In stoppage time, Nyland made a superb flailing save to keep out a Diallo free-kick, ensuring the victory.
"Every man from 100 years to two years old is rowing now," said Solbakken, referencing the Viking celebration. Norway had only played two knockout games before: in 1938 and 1998, both losses to Italy.
Côte d'Ivoire's Struggle
Côte d'Ivoire have struggled for cutting edge since winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024. Despite dominating possession, they lacked precision in front of goal. Their 3-2 defeat by Egypt in the Cup of Nations quarter-final in January followed a similar pattern. "The spirit of Les Revenants was back, a team that didn't know when it was finished," but ultimately, it was not enough.
Norway's Norwegian longboat rows on to face Brazil in a historic last-16 tie.
