Norway advances to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in a Round of 32 match played in the United States on Tuesday. Erling Haaland scores the decisive goal in the 86th minute, taking advantage of a cross from Patrick Berg to finish from close range for what multiple reports describe as his fifth goal of the tournament.
Antonio Nusa gives Norway the lead in the first half, scoring with a long, bending finish from distance to make it 1-0. Ivory Coast responds after the hour mark when Amad Diallo comes on and quickly impacts the game, blocking an apparent Norway second goal and then equalising in the 74th minute. The match remains tight through to the final minutes, with both teams creating chances before Haaland’s late winner.
All reports agree the result sets up a Round of 16 match for Norway against Brazil, with the teams scheduled to meet on Sunday in New Jersey. Several accounts also note Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout win, while describing an even first half that opens into a more competitive second half.
