Erling Haaland’s scored a late winner secures Norway past Ivory Coast and into the World Cup knockout rounds for a clash with Brazil.
Erling Haaland proved decisive once again, steering Norway into the World Cup knockout rounds with a late winner against Ivory Coast in Texas.
The Manchester City forward struck in the 86th minute, turning the ball home from close range to seal a 2-1 victory. The crucial goal marked Haaland’s fifth of the tournament, underlining his immense value to a Norwegian side that had to dig deep in the closing stages to avoid extra time.
The result marks a historic milestone for Norwegian football. This is the first time the nation has ever secured a victory in a World Cup knockout match, breaking new ground on the international stage.
Their reward is a round-of-16 tie against five-time champions Brazil this Sunday in New Jersey.
Norway enter that fixture as clear underdogs, but with Haaland maintaining his clinical form in front of goal, Ståle Solbakken’s side will believe they can trouble the South American giants with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.