Norway knock out Ivory Coast, set up Round of 16 tie with Brazil

Norway booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday as Erling Haaland struck the decisive goal four minutes from time after Antonio Nusa's opener and Amad Diallo's equaliser.

The final whistle confirmed Norway's first World Cup knockout victory and they will next face Brazil in the Round of 16.

In the match, Norway enjoyed early possession and almost took the lead inside three minutes. Julian Ryerson's cross found Haaland in space, but his header was blocked before the Ivory Coast defence cleared the danger.

Ivory Coast gradually settled into the contest and created openings through Guela Doue and Diomande. Konan came closest after cutting inside his marker, only to see his effort flash just wide of the near post.

Diomande remained a constant threat on the counterattack and created another clear opportunity. His cross picked out Nicolas Pepe, but the winger failed to steer his volley into the bottom corner from a promising position.

Norway made the breakthrough in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa. The winger drove into the penalty area from the left, created space and curled a superb finish into the top corner beyond the goalkeeper.

The goal lifted Norway, who nearly doubled their advantage before the interval. Martin Odegaard's cushioned header released Haaland, but Ibrahim Sangaré recovered to block before Alexander Sorloth headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner.

Ivory Coast appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty late in the first half after another corner caused problems, but the referee waved play on and VAR chose not to intervene. Norway carried their one-goal advantage into the break.

The African side began the second half with greater urgency. Pep forced Orjan Nyland into a fine save, while Norway's defence continued to deal with a succession of crosses into the penalty area.

Norway almost doubled their lead midway through the half. Odegaard's corner found Heggem, whose effort was blocked on the goal line by Amad before the Ivory Coast substitute entered the game moments later.

The substitutions transformed Ivory Coast's attack. Amad combined neatly with Pepe in the 74th minute before weaving into the box and placing a composed finish into the far corner for his second goal of the tournament.

The equaliser set up an open finish as both teams searched for a winner. Norway pushed forward while Ivory Coast threatened on the counter, with appeals for a penalty against Pepe turned away.

Norway regained the lead in the 86th minute. Berg burst down the right and cut the ball back for Haaland, whose weak finish rolled over the line despite the goalkeeper getting close to keeping it out.

Ivory Coast threw everyone forward during seven minutes of added time. Nyland tipped Amad's long-range effort around the post before Norway cleared a series of late deliveries to preserve their advantage.