Elfenbenskysten awaits Norway: 'Not afraid of Haaland'

Elfenbenskysten players are unfazed by the prospect of facing Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland in the World Cup Round of 16. Anders K. Christiansen, president of the sports journalists' association in Elfenbenskysten, stated that at this level, players do not fear anyone and are confident in their defense.

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At this level, players do not fear anyone. Our defense is good. It is true that Haaland is a great striker, Elfenbenskysten is very aware of him. But I don't think our players are afraid.

"It is true that Haaland is a great striker, Elfenbenskysten is very aware of him. But I don't think our players are afraid," Christiansen told VG. He was speaking from the U.S., where he is covering the World Cup for the Ivorian newspaper Le Patriote. Elfenbenskysten secured their spot in the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao, a performance that, while comfortable, did not overwhelmingly impress.

Norway currently sits at 23rd in the FIFA rankings, while Elfenbenskysten is ranked 30th. Despite the difference, the Ivorian team is focused on taking matches as they come. "When you reach the knockout rounds, you have no choice. Regardless of the opponent, we have spent a year and a half preparing to take the games as they come, and that's what we'll do," said Nicolas Pépé, who scored twice against Curaçao.

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When you reach the knockout rounds, you have no choice. Regardless of the opponent, we have spent a year and a half preparing to take the games as they come, and that's what we'll do.

Christiansen noted that many Ivorians would prefer facing Norway over France, whom they recently defeated 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly. "France is a potential World Cup winner. If Elfenbenskysten is sharp, this team can beat anyone," he said. He cautioned against comparing Elfenbenskysten to Senegal, emphasizing that they are different teams with distinct playing systems.

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If you ask many Ivorians, most would probably answer that they wish for Norway. I am from Elfenbenskysten myself, and I want our team to win the World Cup. And I think we have to be realistic: France is among the potential winners of the entire World Cup. Therefore, I think Norway would be best for us.

The Ivorian team prides itself on its collective strength rather than individual stars. "Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is not necessarily the big star. We have Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) and captain Franck Kessié. But the most important thing is that it is a young, cohesive team. It's not the stars who dominate. It's a team of solidarity, where everyone plays together," Christiansen explained. The primary challenge for Elfenbenskysten, according to Christiansen, is internal: "Elfenbenskysten is always Elfenbenskysten's biggest opponent." The team needs to avoid stumbling in the final minutes and maintain control throughout the match to realize its potential as a surprise contender in the tournament.

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France is a potential World Cup winner. If Elfenbenskysten is sharp, this team can beat anyone.