Erling Haaland struck late to give Norway a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32, booking a last-16 clash with Brazil at Dallas Stadium. Haaland finished in the 86th minute from Patrick Berg’s pass, extending a scoring streak that now spans 13 straight competitive internationals and keeping Norway’s tournament run alive.

The win also carries historic weight for Norway, who record a first ever World Cup knockout success. They become the first European side to advance in an initial knockout tie at the finals since Ukraine in 2006. Ivory Coast exit after a spirited debut in the knockout phase, having out-shot Norway and dominated set-pieces without turning pressure into victory.

Stale Solbakken reverted to the line-up used earlier in the tournament after making 10 changes against France, restoring all those regulars in Dallas. Haaland immediately posed danger, seeing a close-range header blocked inside three minutes. The forward then endured a quiet opening period, managing only eight touches and completing one pass during a controlled but cautious first half.

Norway’s breakthrough arrived through Antonio Nusa rather than Haaland. Nusa cut inside on the right, confronted a defender and bent a precise shot in off the post, becoming Norway’s youngest scorer at a major tournament. Martin Odegaard supplied the assist, meaning the playmaker is the first player to create goals in three consecutive World Cup matches since Dirk Kuyt in 2010.

Before half-time, Norway nearly doubled the lead when Haaland attacked a knockdown inside the area, only for Ibrahim Sangare to stretch and block with a crucial intervention. After the interval, Odegaard’s influence continued as an inswinging corner reached Torbjorn Heggem, whose effort looked destined for the net until substitute Amad Diallo cleared off the line, keeping Ivory Coast within reach.

That clearance proved a turning point as Amad soon transformed the contest in attack. Linking neatly with Nicolas Pepe, Amad exchanged passes, then slalomed past several defenders with sharp touches before drilling a powerful finish. The goal dragged Ivory Coast level and showcased the Manchester United winger’s composure, especially given Amad had started the match on the bench.

Norway, however, found a response with time running out. Substitute Oscar Bobb threaded a pass through Ivory Coast’s back line to Berg, who advanced into space and slid the ball across goal. Haaland arrived unmarked to convert a straightforward finish in the 86th minute. Ivory Coast almost forced extra-time when Amad’s stoppage-time free-kick arrowed towards the top-left corner, but Orjan Nyland produced a strong save.

Ivory Coast and Erling Haaland World Cup records

Haaland’s numbers underline the influence on this Norway side despite limited involvement in general play. The Manchester City forward attempted four shots, which meant missing a chance to equal Karim Benzema’s 2014 feat of recording at least five shots in each of the first three World Cup appearances. Yet the main storyline remained Haaland’s finishing streak for the national team.