Haaland's Late Strike Sends Norway Past Ivory Coast in Thriller
·World Cup Correspondent
Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 in a Round of 32 classic at AT&T Stadium, with Erling Haaland's 86th-minute finish proving decisive in front of 69,665 spectators. Antonio Nusa broke the deadlock in the 39th minute to give Norway an early edge, but Amad Diallo leveled proceedings in the 74th minute to set up a tense finale. Haaland's poacher's instinct in the closing stages separated the teams and booked Norway's place in the knockout rounds. The late winner showcased clinical finishing when it mattered most, and Norway's ability to weather Ivory Coast's second-half pressure proved crucial in advancing from a fiercely competitive encounter.