Haaland Delivers Again as Norway Takes Late Lead Over Ivory Coast in World Cup Thriller
ARLINGTON, Texas — Erling Haaland spent the second half reminding the world why Norway’s World Cup hopes rest so heavily on his shoulders.
After Ivory Coast fought back to erase an early deficit, Haaland delivered the biggest moment of the match, scoring late to put Norway back in front 2-1 heading into stoppage time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.
Norway struck first through Antonio Nusa, who produced a brilliant individual finish in the first half. The winger cut inside from the left, created space and curled a shot into the top corner to give Norway the opening advantage.
Ivory Coast responded after halftime and refused to let the knockout match slip away. Amad Diallo leveled the score in the 74th minute, finishing off a dangerous sequence to bring the Ivorians back into the contest.
Then Haaland took over in the 87th.
The Norwegian superstar, who entered the tournament as one of the biggest names in the field, produced the kind of moment expected from a player of his caliber. With the match hanging in the balance, Haaland found the breakthrough and pushed Norway ahead once again.
It was a fitting response after Ivory Coast had seized momentum for much of the second half. Norway entered the knockout stage with Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and its strongest group available after rotating players in the final group match, and the pressure on the Manchester City striker to deliver has been enormous.
For Ivory Coast, the comeback effort showed why it earned a place in the knockout rounds. For Norway, the match has become another reminder that having one of the world’s most dangerous finishers can change everything in tournament football.
If the score holds, Norway advances to face Brazil in the Round of 16.
*(We will update soon after)*
And at 2:58 PM ET, Norway has done it and won the match!
And once again, when Norway needed a defining moment, Haaland provided it.
Check out the latest articles from EasySportz
Check out the latest FIFA World Cup scores
