Norway secured progression to the World Cup last 16 after a dramatic late winner against Côte d’Ivoire. The decisive goal came from Erling Haaland, who bundled the ball in during the final minutes of the match.
The victory validates coach Ståle Solbakken’s strategy, which involved resting almost his entire squad in the preceding group stage game against France. This decision had drawn criticism, particularly from those who had anticipated a direct confrontation between Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Solbakken had stated that the success of his policy would depend on the outcome of this match.
Norway initially took the lead in the first half through Antonio Nusa. For a period, Norway appeared to be in control, with Côte d’Ivoire’s possession proving largely ineffective. However, Amad Diallo, coming on as a substitute, made a significant impact. He first produced a clearance to deny a Torbjørn Heggem volley before scoring an equalizer.
The opening goal for Norway, six minutes before half-time, originated from a wide forward. Martin Ødegaard played the ball wide to Nusa, who then moved inside past Nicolas Pépé and delivered a precise finish past Yahia Fofana into the corner of the net.
Diallo’s equalizer reignited the game. He received the ball on the right, executed a one-two with Pépé that bypassed three Norwegian players, then eluded a fourth before bouncing a finish past Ørjan Nyland. This goal, along with Diallo’s earlier block from Heggem, could have disheartened the Norwegian side.
Both nations entered unfamiliar territory with this match, as neither had previously won a knockout game at a World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire had not advanced past the group stage in prior tournaments, despite securing a win in every World Cup appearance. Norway had only participated in two knockout matches before, in 1938 and 1998, losing to Italy on both occasions.
Solbakken’s changes were an attempt to overcome this historical hurdle. Patrick Berg, a midfielder from Bodø/Glimt, was the only player to start Norway’s last two matches. It was Berg who set up Haaland for the winning goal. Haaland is one of three Norwegian players whose fathers participated in World Cups, a group that also includes Solbakken. Berg’s father also played for Norway but did not reach a finals tournament.
The team demonstrated a clear sense of unity, evident in their post-match celebrations. A drum was brought from the stands, allowing captain Ødegaard to lead both players and fans in a collective ‘Viking row’.
This match saw Norway adopt a style of play that is not typical for them. This generation of players has often been free-scoring and has tended to overwhelm opponents. Sitting back, defending, enduring, and surviving has not been their usual approach. However, they successfully employed this strategy against Côte d’Ivoire.
Côte d’Ivoire started the match impressively, dominating possession rather than focusing on counter-attacks. Their threat frequently came from the flanks, with Pépé, now at Villarreal, displaying directness and flair. Pépé had a notable opportunity in the first half but volleyed across the goal rather than at it, with Kristoffer Ajer clearing the ball over the bar.
Chances for Côte d’Ivoire were infrequent, a recurring issue since their victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In that tournament, they lost two group games, including a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, leading to a change in management before ultimately achieving success. However, after the initial momentum from that victory faded, the team has struggled with a lack of precision and cutting edge.
Their 3-2 defeat to Egypt in the Cup of Nations quarter-final in January exemplified this, featuring extensive possession and opportunities but limited goal threat. In the current match, Nyland made a save from a Diallo free-kick in injury time.
France’s progression and other late game drama
Meanwhile, France continues its campaign in the World Cup 2026 round of 32, facing Sweden. France is considered a favourite to progress further in the tournament, having comfortably defeated Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in earlier matches. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have been prominent performers for France.
Key defender William Saliba was rested against Norway due to a back issue but is anticipated to return for the match against Sweden. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, has returned to the touchline after missing France’s win over Norway to attend his mother’s funeral.
Sweden’s path to the knockout stages included a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, followed by a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, and then a draw with Japan, which secured their qualification under coach Graham Potter. Potter has opted for an attacking lineup against France, including Lucas Bergvall alongside Gyokeres, Isak, and Elanga.
The last 32 stage has already seen some unexpected results, such as Paraguay eliminating Germany on penalties. The winner of the France versus Sweden match is set to face Paraguay in Philadelphia.
Several matches in the tournament have featured late decisive moments. Canada defeated South Africa with a winner in the 92nd minute, while Brazil eliminated Japan in the 95th minute. Paraguay and Morocco both required penalties to send Germany and the Netherlands home, respectively. Norway’s winning goal against Côte d’Ivoire arrived in the 86th minute.
Adrien Rabiot’s performances in midfield have become crucial for France’s chances of winning the World Cup, despite off-field controversies. Dembélé scored a hat-trick against Norway, highlighting France’s depth beyond Mbappé, with other players like Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue also contributing goals.
The match between France and Sweden is being held in New Jersey.
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Source: theguardian.com
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”