Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway defeated Ivory Coast to book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup, where they will face Brazil.
The Manchester City striker had endured a quiet evening in Dallas before striking in the 86th minute after Antonio Nusa and Amad Diallo exchanged stunning goals in an entertaining contest.
Haaland was perfectly positioned to turn home Patrick Berg’s cutback from close range, sealing a hard-fought victory for Norway and sending them into the knockout stage.
The goal extended Haaland’s remarkable scoring streak to 13 consecutive competitive international matches and helped Norway secure their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
Ivory Coast looked set to force extra time after substitute Amad Diallo produced a brilliant equaliser in the 74th minute. Coach Emerse Fae had surprisingly left the Manchester United forward on the bench as the Elephants adopted a more defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, but the tactical decision appeared to backfire after the Ivorians struggled to create clear chances in the opening half.
Norway had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa. The 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger showcased his quality by cutting in from the left before curling a superb right-footed effort into the top corner.
With Ivory Coast trailing, Fae introduced Amad after the break, and the 23-year-old made an immediate impact. He weaved past two defenders before calmly slotting home his second goal of the tournament. Moments earlier, Amad had also produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Norway defender Torbjorn Heggem from close range.
However, Haaland delivered the decisive moment when it mattered most, converting Berg’s low cutback from six yards to send Norway into the last 16 and end Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign.
