A dream goal from Bundesliga youngster Antonio Nusa and a late strike from Erling Haaland have propelled Norway into the Round of 16 of the World Cup. However, one incident left legend Didier Drogba incandescent with rage.
With their key players, including star striker Haaland and Leipzig’s Nusa, back in the lineup, the Scandinavians defeated Germany’s group stage opponents, Ivory Coast, 2-1 (1-0) on Tuesday in Dallas, advancing to the next round.
National team coach Stale Solbakken’s squad, thanks to Nusa’s spectacular goal (39th minute) and Haaland’s fifth tournament goal (86th minute), has reached the last 16 in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Amad (74th minute) scored the temporary equalizer. Despite this, Ivory Coast, watched by German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki, failed to reach the Round of 16 in their fourth World Cup appearance. Even the highly sought-after European star Yan Diomande, a teammate of Nusa’s at RB Leipzig, couldn’t prevent their elimination.
A controversial moment occurred shortly after Amad’s stunning equalizer when Nicolas Pepe dramatically went to ground in the penalty area after a challenge and slight touch from substitute Andreas Schjelderup. In the ARD broadcast, both commentator Tom Bartels and expert Almuth Schult agreed that a penalty should have been awarded. Referee expert Lutz Wagner also saw «definitely contact» and believed the Norwegians were «a bit lucky,» but also noted that the contact likely wasn’t the cause of the fall.
Ivorian legend Didier Drogba reacted with complete disbelief on X, calling the unawarded penalty «shameful.» He also questioned, «What is VAR good for?»
Nusa Scores a Dream Goal — Haaland Delivers the ‘Dagger’ Again
Solbakken had largely reverted to his starting lineup after a significant rotation in the last group game against title favorites France (1-4). Alongside Haaland, playmaker Martin Ödegaard, Leipzig professional Nusa, and striker Alexander Sörloth, among others, started the match again. The slightly injured full-back Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund) was on the bench.
On the field, Norway’s regular starters initially struggled to meet expectations. A cross from the right wing found Haaland in the box, but his header was blocked by Odilon Kossounou (3rd minute). Norway created a lot of width from a calm, controlled build-up, but hardly created any dangerous situations.
The three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, in turn, repeatedly created individual threats in the final third. While scoring opportunities were rare, such as Ghislain Konan’s (21st minute) shot that hit the side netting, sharp crosses from midfield consistently caused problems.
Norway’s play lacked tempo and quick decision-making – until Nusa struck. After a swift body feint, the 21-year-old curled the ball impressively into the top corner. The goal initiated a period of Norwegian pressure: Haaland (42nd minute) missed a second goal from close range, and in the subsequent corner, Sörloth and Haaland again narrowly missed the ball.
Norway faced increased defensive pressure in the second half. Ivory Coast utilized their fast wingers better and increasingly penetrated the penalty area. Orjan Nyland made a strong save from Nicolas Pepe’s shot (56th minute). The Scandinavians played out counter-attacks untidily, with occasional danger arising from set pieces. After a corner, Amad Diallo cleared the ball off the line against Torbjorn Heggem (67th minute). Immediately after the second drinks break, Amad scored. Haaland secured the late victory.