World Cup – Haaland scores as Norway defeats Ivory Coast 2-1

In another match of the 32 teams for the 2026 World Cup, Norway, the "Vikings," defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to goals from Antonio Noussa and Erling Haaland.

Three minutes into the match, Norway launched an attack. Marcus Pedersen crossed the ball from the right wing into the box, where Manchester City striker Haaland's header was cleared by a Norwegian player. In the 8th minute, Ivory Coast defender Guerra Dué delivered a cross, and Jan Diomand's header went wide.

In the 21st minute, Ivory Coast created an attacking opportunity. Guilan Konan received a through pass from his teammate and entered the penalty area, firing a low shot, but the ball hit the side netting. In the 28th minute, Jan Diomande delivered a cross from the left wing, and Nicola Pepe volleyed, but the shot went wide.

In the 37th minute, Thiloth chipped the ball over the defense, and Haaland headed it towards goal, but the ball was caught by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahya Fofana. In the 39th minute, Ødegaard passed the ball across, and Antonio Nusa received it and curled a shot into the net, giving Norway a 1-0 lead.

In the 42nd minute, Norway attacked from a corner kick, and Thiloth's header went wide. In second-half stoppage time, Antonio Nusa fouled Gaia Due, and the referee showed Nusa a yellow card. Ivory Coast then took a free kick, and Agbadou's header went wide.

In the 54th minute of the second half, Gueye Dué received the ball and fired a shot from the penalty area, but it was cleared. Nicola Pepe then followed up with a shot, but it was saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Erjen Nyland. In the 64th minute, Ivory Coast launched a counter-attack from a corner kick, and Gueye Dué's shot went wide.

In the 67th minute, Selot passed the ball to Hegham, who followed up with a shot, but Diallo blocked it. In the 74th minute, Ivory Coast launched a combination play, and Diallo received a pass from Nicola Pepe, broke through the defense, and scored with a low shot, helping Ivory Coast equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 86th minute, Patrick Berg dealt with Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahya Fofana's cross, and Haaland received the ball and seized the opportunity to slot it home, giving Norway a 2-1 lead again. In second-half stoppage time, Diallo took a free kick but his shot was saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Erjen Nyland.

In the end, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 and successfully advanced to the round of 16.

Image source: Internet