In Arlington, Texas, Erling Haaland celebrated a memorable World Cup win for Norway. For the first time, Norway triumphed in a knockout game. The festivities included Haaland wearing a horned helmet and joining his teammates in a Viking Row with their supportive fans clad in red.
“This is unbelievable. This is history,” Haaland stated on the field post-game. A crucial tap from his left foot in the 86th minute secured a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. This victory sets up a match against five-time champion Brazil, rekindling memories of Norway’s great victory 28 years ago.
For now, Norwegian players focused on celebrating their recent accomplishment. “We’re really happy and proud of ourselves,” said team captain Martin Odegaard, setting the pace for the postgame Viking Row. “Hopefully, we can keep dreaming and believing,” he added.
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring with a curling goal for Norway. The team will play Brazil in the round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.
This victory is a dream come true,” commented Nusa after the game through a translator.
This year marks Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, when they achieved a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Brazil.
Amad Diallo tied the match for Ivory Coast with a left-footed shot in the 74th minute. Despite Haaland’s go-ahead goal, Ivory Coast kept pressing. During stoppage time, Diallo’s direct free kick threatened Norway’s lead. Norway’s goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, made a crucial leaping save.
“After their equalizer, it was easy to panic,” said Norway coach Ståle Solbakken. “But we got our players in the right position.”
Haaland had only 27 touches in the match, the fewest among his teammates. Yet, a well-timed pass from Patrick Berg set him up to score. Haaland’s goal was his fifth in this year’s tournament, trailing only behind Lionel Messi who has six for Argentina.
Haaland has scored in 13 consecutive competitive international games, totaling 25 goals in that span.
The Ivory Coast team, known as the Elephants, ranked 31st by FIFA, was participating in its fourth World Cup. They had never won twice in the same tournament before.
“We are proud of what we achieved,” said Diallo, acknowledging their team’s disappointment. The youthful side showed potential but missed their chances.
Nusa’s goal came in the 39th minute with a right-footed kick that slipped past the goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana, who couldn’t reach it in time. This marked Nusa’s ninth international goal for Norway.
Diallo leveled the score after executing a give-and-go with Nicolas Pepe. Despite a strong effort, Norway held firm, clinching their historic win.