Haaland goal seals historic World Cup win for Norway against Ivory Coast

Norway's coach, Stale Solbakken, lauded Erling Haaland as the world's most dangerous and best striker after his late goal secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The win propelled Norway into the Round of 16, where they will face Brazil.

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There is no doubt about that. Today he was not very involved in the game. I think he only had one big chance in the first half, but once again he scored the winning goal.

Haaland's decisive strike in the 86th minute marked his fifth goal in three World Cup matches, a remarkable feat for a nation like Norway. Solbakken emphasized Haaland's value to the team, stating, "There is no doubt about that. Today he was not very involved in the game. I think he only had one big chance in the first half, but once again he scored the winning goal."

The coach further highlighted Haaland's scoring prowess, noting, "Scoring five goals in three World Cup matches for a small country like Norway… I wouldn't trade him for any other player because he is the best goalscorer in world football right now." Solbakken added that it is "amazing to have him in the team" and that the team's task is to create as many chances as possible for him.

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Scoring five goals in three World Cup matches for a small country like Norway… I wouldn't trade him for any other player because he is the best goalscorer in world football right now.

The dramatic match saw Norway take the lead through Antonio Nusa in the first half. Ivory Coast equalized in the 74th minute with a goal from Amad Diallo, setting the stage for Haaland's late heroics. The victory marks a historic moment for Norway as they progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup.

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It is amazing to have him in the team. We are lucky to have him and our job is just to create as many chances for him as possible.