Erling Haaland, is once again and after Spain’s late loss to Ivory Coast, a reminder of why is one of the most feared forwards in the world of football, as he powered his nation to a 2-1 victory with an impressive strike in the dying seconds to secure them a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The son of the late Swedish goalkeeper Oscar, had an action-packed goal after only four minutes from full-time in Dallas to achieve the breakthrough that saw Norway reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history. However, the score also creates a tasting competition with Brazil as Haaland plays on with his international goalscoring battery as he did in the past.
Norway went into the game with a dream of history on their side, while Ivory Coast went into the match, knowing that they had chances. It was Ivory Coast’s first World Cup knockout game that they had ever played and Norway’s first World cup knockout appearance in 28 years. The significance of the game was seen in the first few minutes – both sides were a bit off the pace and finding it hard to kick up any immediate pressure.
Norway finally got the breakthrough six minutes before half-time with the brilliant Antonio Nusa. RB Leipzig front man Martin Odegaard found the winger a well-weighted pass from the left-wing and Odegaard cut inside. The 21-year-old was a stroke of genius with a stunning right-footed strike to the top corner, leaving heaven an empty net for goalkeeper. A moment of pure quality, however, that rewarded Norway for gradually taking over the contest.
Towards the 47th minute, however, Ivory Coast with less than normal firepower of Amad Diallo and a defensive 4141 formation looked dangerously unspectacular from the get-go. That restricted their attacking scoring threat over the course of the first 45 minutes and kept the African side chasing the ball for extended periods without creating a ball possession opportunity. They felt comfortable dealing with the narrow lead and with the first half winding down, they were in a commanding position.
It was a shootout after the break though, when Amad Diallo came in. The Manchester United playmaker was instantly making the Isi-queen look lithe and creative as he brought a lot of speed and directness to the game’s attacking arsenal. Amad made a crucial defense effort by scooping over the goal line a volley close up from Torbjorn Heggem, leaving his side alive for an eventual goal.
The pressure finally bore in the 74th minute as Amad unleashed one of his best goals of the tournament. Retrieving the ball from the right, he played his way past two Norwegian defenders to sin herethe point expertly. It was a very good solo performance that definitely revealed just what Ivory Coast needed during the first hour. But everything changed abruptly and overtime was becoming more of a reality when the Sunderlands were playing with renewed faith on the continent.
It was just that there was always one player who could make a difference and that was Norway. But that’s the kind of work an elite striker doesn’t need to have large numbers of go-getters and shots before leaving his mark. Patrick Berg was working the ball well before he successfully put a Berg past into the penalty after dangerously cutting back over the member into the area with a very little time on the clock. Haaland was quickest to respond as the ball rebounded into the six-yard area but unexpectedly came off-hael and sent a Norwegian high-heeled horde into a frenzy of celebration.
Haaland then bowled over three individuals in one goal in order to stretch his brilliant spell to 13 matches, proving once more that he is a mainstay on the larger stages of football. Odegaard was fantastic with his beautiful opening day-kicker and Nusa stole the show in the middle, but it was Haaland who really put in the big play when Norway needed him.
After conceding the late one, Ivory Coast refused to give away. Amad was almost one yard clear of the penalty area during stoppage time but was beaten down by Norway’s Orjan Nyland, who saved for the rest of the time to maintain his team’s crucial win. A perfect conclusion to an entertaining match with displays of grit and brilliance from some of the players.
It is a major success for Norwegian football as they become the first team to win a World Cup knock-out game. It was another fine tournament from Martin Odegaard as he claimed another point, with his magnificent goal and all-round brilliance means Antonio Nusa quite rightly won the Player of the Match prize.
Now, however, it is time for Norway to face into a larger task as they will be facing Brazil in the Round of 16. Norway will feel secure in the knowledge Haaland is in supreme form – and after being granted an improbable and historic victory, they will have faith in their man. Whether it’s a Shot of the Century like Haaland’s, or his inspiration for the Norwegian side on an unforgettable World Cup tour, the football fans will witness even more fascinating matches to come.
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