On Tuesday evening, Norway eliminated Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, after a tight match which they won 2-1. Despite being outplayed by a tenacious Ivorian side, the Norwegian team made the difference thanks to two goals scored at key moments. Ivory Coast had opened the scoring very early in the match. In the 7th minute, A. Diallo Traoré gave the Ivorians the lead, giving his team a perfect start in this knockout tie.
Nusa revives Norway
Norway's response came before halftime. In the 39th minute, A. Nusa equalized for Norway, bringing the two teams level before the break. Nusa was then booked in the 45th minute, in a tense end to the first half. At halftime, the score was therefore 1-1, with qualification still wide open.
Haaland strikes in the 86th minute
The decisive moment came late in the game. In the 86th minute, E. Haaland scored Norway's second goal, giving his team the lead in the dying moments. Ivory Coast tried to mount a comeback, but Norway held on until the final whistle. At 90+8 minutes, the scoreboard still read 1-2.
Ivory Coast stops there
Despite taking an early lead, Ivory Coast exited the World Cup in the round of 16. The Ivorians had started the match well, but failed to hold onto their advantage or respond to Haaland's late goal. The scenario was cruel: an ideal start, an equalizer before halftime, then a goal conceded four minutes from the end of regulation time.
With this 2-1 victory, Norway continues its journey in the competition. They will face Brazil on Sunday, June 5th at 22:00 PM.
