Norway takes first knockout victory | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Norway’s first World Cup knockout victory came with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday, setting up a round-of-16 match against five-time champions Brazil. Erling Haaland’s second-half breakthrough proved decisive after a brief tap with his left foot in the 86th minute separated the teams. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the first half with a curling shot, while Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute with a left-foot goal. Norway’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a late, leaping stop to deny Diallo’s direct free kick in stoppage time, completing four saves. Coach Ståle Solbakken said Norway avoided panic after the equalizer and returned to its game. The result ends Norway’s knockout wait since its 1998 appearance and adds another chapter to a matchup with Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.