Norway – Ivory Coast figures: Haaland shares highest score after late 2-1 in Dallas

Norway has qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Dallas. Erling Haaland, invisible for a long time, tapped in the winner four minutes before the end and crowned a tough Norwegian evening. The Scandinavians will meet Brazil in the next round.

Ivory Coast had the better options in the first half without any real clear-cut chances. Just before half-time, Norway struck: Martin Odegaard served Antonio Nusa on the left in the penalty area, who cut inside and curled the ball unstoppably into the far corner. That gave Norway an impetus, because shortly afterwards there were two big chances to make it 2-0. Haaland saw a weak shot cleared from close range and from the subsequent corner Alexander Sorloth headed just wide, which Haaland could not reach.

After the break, substitute Amad Diallo took the leading role. First he prevented a Norwegian goal with a save on the line, then he combined with Nicolas Pepe and finished nicely for the 1-1. Yet Norway and especially Haaland got the final say. Patrick Berg emerged behind the Ivorian defense after a nice pass from Oscar Bobb and laid wide, after which the ball caromed into the goal via Haaland. In the sixth minute of extra time, Orjan Nyland had to save one more time on a great free kick from Amad.

Player ratings Norway (numbers /10)

• Goalkeeper & defense

  • Orjan Nyland (7): Wasn't given much to do for a long time, made a good save from Pepe shortly after half-time and dominated in his box. Huge save in stoppage time.
  • Marcus Pedersen (5): Pushed forward, but had a hard time with Yan Diomande in transition.
  • Kristoffer Ajer (7): Enjoyed the physical duel with Ange-Yoan Bonny and was very solid.
  • Torbjorn Heggem (6): Important early intervention in the goal mouth. Later encountered by a save on the line.
  • David Moller Wolfe (5): Came up a lot but had a hard time against the agile Pepe. Escaped a heavier sanction after a charge on Diomande and did not intervene properly in Amad's rush.

• Midfield

  • Sander Berge (5): A lot of time on the ball, but too often opted for security. Couldn't stop Amad.
  • Patrick Berg (7): Made a lot of meters and won his duels. Perfect running action as third man and the overview to find Haaland in the winning position.
  • Martin Odegaard (6): Long struggled to find the key, but he did record his third assist in a row for Nusa's goal. Sometimes too slow in acceptance and passing.

• Attack

  • Alexander Sorloth (5): Few threatening moments came from the flank, but became more dangerous as soon as he moved inwards with his heading power.
  • Erling Haaland (7): Typical Haaland evening. Missed opportunities and seemed to drop out of the match, but still decided it with the 2-1.
  • Antonio Nusa (7): Barely came into the game at first, but decided the 1-0 with a moment of pure class. Also some nice promotions.

• Substitutions & trainer

  • Andreas Schjelderup (6): Left nice positions unused.
  • Oscar Bobb (7): Sublime through ball in the run-up to the winning goal.
  • Fredrik Aursnes (n/a): Came on late as right back.
  • Stale Solbakken (7): His substitutions made the difference; Norway is making history in North America again.

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