Haaland struck late, bundling home four minutes from time to seal Norway’s dramatic 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Dallas and secure their place in the World Cup last 16.
For much of a tense contest, the Manchester City striker had been kept under wraps as Norway and Ivory Coast traded moments of brilliance rather than sustained pressure. Yet, with extra time looming, Patrick Berg’s low cutback ricocheted invitingly into Haaland’s path and the prolific forward bundled home from close range to extend his remarkable run to 13 consecutive goals in competitive internationals.
The victory secured Norway’s first World Cup knockout triumph and earned them a heavyweight last 16 meeting with Brazil.
Norway had broken the deadlock six minutes before the interval through Antonio Nusa, whose superb solo effort lit up an otherwise cagey first half. The RB Leipzig winger drifted inside from the left before bending a precise right-footed finish into the top corner, rewarding Norway’s patient approach.
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Ivory Coast struggled to threaten while operating with a cautious system that left Manchester United winger Amad Diallo on the bench. The decision appeared costly until head coach Emerse Fae introduced him after the break.
Amad transformed the contest. Moments after clearing Torbjørn Heggem’s close-range effort off the line, the winger surged into the penalty area, skipped past two defenders and calmly fired beyond Orjan Nyland to restore parity with 16 minutes remaining.
The equaliser shifted momentum, but Norway retained belief. Martin Ødegaard once again dictated play intelligently from midfield, while Haaland remained a constant threat despite limited opportunities.
His decisive intervention ensured Norway maintained their dream tournament and underlined why he remains one of world football’s most reliable finishers.
Ivory Coast departed with considerable credit after a resilient display, but will reflect on a conservative opening approach that limited their attacking threat until Amad’s arrival.
Norway now face five-time champions Brazil in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the last 16, with a place in the quarter-finals and a potential meeting with England awaiting the winners.