Norway Strikes First as Nusa Produces Moment of Magic Against Ivory Coast
ARLINGTON, Texas — Norway found the breakthrough Tuesday afternoon as Antonio Nusa curled home a sensational first-half goal to give the Scandinavians a 1-0 lead over Ivory Coast in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 showdown at AT&T Stadium.
Nusa produced a moment of brilliance after cutting inside from the left wing, creating just enough space before bending a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner. The finish left the Ivory Coast goalkeeper with no chance and rewarded Norway for an aggressive opening spell.
The breakthrough energized a Norway side featuring stars Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth, who returned to the starting lineup after being rested during the final group-stage match. Norway controlled possession for much of the opening half while Ivory Coast looked to threaten on the counterattack.
The winner of Tuesday’s knockout match will advance to the Round of 16, with Norway seeking its first World Cup knockout victory in nearly three decades. If the early stages were any indication, Nusa’s spectacular strike could prove to be the defining moment of an entertaining Round of 32 contest.
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