Norway vs. Ivory Coast: World Cup Knockout Preview

Norway, playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, is set to face Ivory Coast on Tuesday night. Norway aims to secure a spot in the final 16. The match, held at the Dallas Cowboys' home ground, is expected to be highly competitive. Ivory Coast, coached by Emerse Faé, defeated Ecuador in the group stage and put up a strong challenge against Germany. Ivory Coast, returning to the World Cup stage after 12 years, has never reached the knockout stage before. Initially, many did not consider 'The Elephants' as 'dark horses' of the tournament, but Faé's team has delivered exciting performances so far. They secured their place in the knockout stage as runners-up of Group E by defeating debutants Curaçao 2-0 in their third match.

Norway's head coach Ståle Solbakken had stated the need for significant changes in the team against France. Having already secured a spot in the last 32 by defeating Iraq and Senegal, Norway lost 4-1 to France, with Ousmane Dembélé's first-half hat-trick proving decisive. Despite the expected loss, Solbakken did not appear overly disappointed. He is focused on long-term goals. Norway hopes to replicate its 1998 achievement of reaching the final 16. Before that, they had reached that stage for the first time in 1938.

Norway's Victory Fueled by Haaland

Although Norway took no risks in their final group stage match against France, they were content with second place in the 'Group of Death' and prepared for this tough encounter. They have already defeated an African team once in this World Cup. On Tuesday, Ivory Coast is expected to present a similar challenge to Senegal. Norway's primary strength so far has been its ability to create high-quality scoring opportunities. According to Opta, their average of 0.18 expected goals per shot is the highest in the tournament.

'The Elephants' dynamism and balanced play should not be underestimated. Their performance in the group stage, especially the comfortable win against Curaçao in the last match, signals that they could indeed become the 'dark horses' of the 2026 World Cup.

Haaland's Record-Breaking Performance for Norway

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner and aims to add to his personal success in this World Cup. After starting the tournament with two goals in consecutive matches against Iraq and Senegal, Haaland is currently chasing Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. With his four goals in North America, his total goal count for Norway has now reached 59 in just 52 international matches.

Break or Lack of Match Rhythm?

Ståle Solbakken made 10 changes to the team against France in the final group stage match, sacrificing the result to keep the team fresh for the knockout stage. Norway's rhythm, lost in the Dallas match a few days ago, is not expected to significantly impact the game against Ivory Coast. However, Ivory Coast's fast-paced game could put Norway under pressure early on.

Norway's Defensive Weakness

The loss against France should not be given too much weight, as the team had many changes. However, Norway's defense has appeared weak recently. They have kept only one clean sheet in their last 10 matches. Ivory Coast's talented attacking line could cause problems for the Scandinavian 'Vikings' on Tuesday, especially if right-back Julian Ryerson is absent.

Ivory Coast's Potential Starting Lineup

Highly-rated young winger in world football, Jean Dieudonné Die, has shown glimpses of his talent in this World Cup, although he has not yet dominated matches fully. According to news released before Tuesday's match, he wishes to choose Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as his next destination. Liverpool is also interested in him, but Dieudonné's priority is reportedly PSG, the two-time European champions. Die is part of an adaptable attack led by the experienced Nicolas Pépé. Pépé scored both of Ivory Coast's goals against Curaçao. In midfield, Ibrahim Sangaré and Franck Kessié are key names for the team, while Ousmane Diomande forms the backbone of Emerse Faé's defense. Wilfried Singo's participation is uncertain due to a hamstring injury. He did not participate in training before Tuesday's match.

Ivory Coast's Probable Team (4-2-3-1)

Fofana, Doué, Kossounou, Diomande, Konan, Sangaré, Kessié, Amad, Ouattara, Dieudonné, Pépé.

Norway's Potential Starting Lineup

Right-back Julian Ryerson is a crucial player in Solbakken's plans. However, he was not included in the squad against France due to a thigh injury. Based on the current situation, Ryerson is unlikely to be fully fit for the Round of 32 match. Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes is likely to play in his place. Solbakken is expected to field his strongest team in this match. If Aursnes plays in defense, Rangers' Théo Hauge could get a chance in midfield alongside Martin Ødegaard and Sander Berge. Bodø/Glimt captain Patrick Berg could also be an option. Antonio Nusa, who got a late chance against France, is likely to start from the left wing in Dallas. Nusa has yet to show his best performance in this World Cup. However, the good news for Norway is that Erling Haaland continues to score in the World Cup with the same form as at Manchester City.

Norway's Probable Team (4-3-3)

Nyland, Aursnes, Årøen, Heggheim, Wolf, Ødegaard, Berge, Hauge, Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Match Details:

Match: Ivory Coast vs. Norway
Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
Stadium: AT&T Stadium
Date: Tuesday, June 30
Time: Tuesday night 10:45 PM (Nepali Time)
Referee: Jesús Noel Valenzuela Sáez (Venezuela)