2026 FIFA World Cup: Unstoppable Haaland ends Ivory Coast's run as Odegaard sets record

Norway's fairytale run at the World Cup continued as Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner to help The Vikings beat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 and advance into the round of 16.

Antonio Nusa opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from a Martin Ødegaard assist; the assist saw the Arsenal star join Igor Belanov for the USSR in 1986 and Michael Ballack for Germany in 2002 as the only players to record an assist in their first three World Cup appearances.

Amad Diallo restored parity in the 74th minute before the inevitable Haaland broke Ivorian hearts with an 86th-minute winner to send Norway into the next round.

Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé set his team up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, relying on the midfield presence of Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré to disrupt Norway's rhythm. 

Meanwhile, Norway fielded a formidable attacking front featuring Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, and Antonio Nusa. 

After a period of probing the Ivorian defensive block, Norway found their breakthrough. Antonio Nusa received the ball on the edge of the area before bending it around Yahya Fofana, giving the Norwegians a crucial 1-0 advantage.

Trailing at the break and staring at elimination, Emerse Faé looked to his bench for a spark. In the 59th minute, he made a decisive double substitution, bringing on Elye Wahi for Ange-Yoan Bonny and Amad Diallo for Christ Inao Oulaï. The tactical shift completely changed the complexion of the match.

The young winger made an incredible, instant impact off the bench. Amad Diallo found the back of the net, slotting the ball past Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to level the score at 1-1 and send the Ivorian supporters into an absolute frenzy. 

Just as the match appeared destined for a gruelling period of extra time, Norway's superstar striker stepped up to fulfil his billing.

Erling Haaland, who had been engaged in a physical battle with Ivorian centre-backs Odilon Kossounou and Emmanuel Agbadou all afternoon, finally found his moment. He delivered a clinical finish to restore Norway's lead at 2-1, stunning the African side. 

Desperate to force another equaliser, Faé threw on attacking reinforcements like Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, and Bazoumana Touré in the dying moments. 

However, Norway managed the remaining stoppage time, introducing fresh defensive legs to secure the victory.