Haaland's late winner sends Norway past Ivory Coast into Brazil clash

Erling Haaland's dramatic late goal secured a 2-1 victory for Norway over Ivory Coast, propelling them into a World Cup last-16 showdown with Brazil. The Manchester City striker, largely quiet for much of the match in Dallas, finally broke the deadlock in the 86th minute.

Norway had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa, a 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger. Nusa showcased his talent by cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the top corner. This strike came after Ivory Coast's manager, Emerse Fae, opted for a more defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, surprisingly leaving out Amad Diallo.

Ivory Coast, who had scored in all their group games, were forced to chase the game after going behind. Fae introduced Amad in the second half, and the Manchester United player immediately made an impact. Amad equalized in the 74th minute with a skillful run and finish, demonstrating what his team had been missing. He also made a crucial goal-line clearance earlier in the half, denying Norway's Torbjorn Heggem from close range.

However, in a tournament often defined by its star strikers, Haaland ultimately proved decisive. His goal, a close-range finish from Patrick Berg's cutback, marked his 13th consecutive competitive international appearance with a goal for Norway, a new record for the player and a historic moment as Norway won a World Cup knockout match for the first time.