Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup campaign ended with a 2,1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 32, leaving Morocco as the only African nation to have secured a place in the Round of 16 so far.
Norway advanced to face Brazil after Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 86th minute.
Antonio Nusa had given Norway the lead in the 39th minute, curling home after being set up by captain Martin Ødegaard.
Côte d’Ivoire equalised in the 74th minute through substitute Amad Diallo, who produced a fine solo finish after coming off the bench.
But Haaland restored Norway’s lead four minutes from time, tapping in Patrick Berg’s cross to seal victory. The goal was his 60th for Norway and extended his scoring streak to 13 consecutive international matches. Nusa also became Norway’s youngest scorer at a major tournament, aged 21 years.
Côte d’Ivoire dominated possession with 74 percent, won 11 corners to Norway’s one and created more chances, but failed to make their superiority count. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland made several key saves, including a stoppage time stop to deny Diallo an equaliser.
The defeat ends Côte d’Ivoire’s first World Cup appearance since 2006, while Norway reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.
Morocco remain the only African team to have booked a place in the Round of 16 after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties. Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde and DR Congo are yet to play their Round of 32 matches.
