85 Views Another classic encounter awaits the world of football this evening as Norway: “Golden generation” built around Erling Haaland face African continental powerhouse Ivory Coast. They beat Iraq and Senegal in groups, then rested starters against France. Norway is expected to control possession in the middle of the park through Martin Odegaard and feed […]

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Another classic encounter awaits the world of football this evening as Norway: “Golden generation” built around Erling Haaland face African continental powerhouse Ivory Coast.

They beat Iraq and Senegal in groups, then rested starters against France.

Norway is expected to control possession in the middle of the park through Martin Odegaard and feed Haaland in the box.

They are a possession and direct attack team.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast, Africa’s reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 champions will not be pushovers.

They survived a brutal group with Germany, Ecuador and Curacao.

In the match fans should expect physical midfield, direct wide play, as well as counter-attacks. For them, reaching the Round of 32 is already new ground – they’ve never escaped the group in 3 previous World Cups.

On the Football Associations of International Associations (FIFA) rankings the two teams are tight: Norway is ranked 32nd, with Ivory Coast 33rd. Winner makes history – Norway haven’t won a knockout tie since 1998.

Previous Head-to-Head
First ever meeting. No past results or familiar patterns for either coach meaning it is a clean slate.

*Players to watch*

*Ivory Coast*:
1. *Amad Diallo – Man United winger*: Matchwinner type. 2 assists already and a “knack for the decisive moment”
2. *Franck Kessie*: Experienced midfield leader, brings control + steel
3. *Nicolas Pépé*: Veteran forward. Scored a double vs Curacao to send Ivory Coast through
4. *Christ Inao Oulai*: Breakout young midfielder who drives them forward 7.

*Out*: Wilfried Singo[injury].

*Norway*:
1. *Erling Haaland – Man City*: 4 goals at this World Cup already. Rested vs France so should be fresh
2. *Martin Odegaard – Arsenal, Captain*: The playmaker with 2 assists. “Pulls the strings” in attack
3. *Alexander Sorloth – Atletico Madrid*: Powerful 2nd scoring threat
4. *Antonio Nusa*: Quick, direct winger to stretch defenses.

*Out*: Julian Ryerson[injury].

*Key battle*: Kessie + Oulai vs Odegaard in midfield. If Ivory Coast can cut supply to Haaland, it becomes a tight one. If Norway get Haaland 1v1, he’s the clearest penalty-box threat.

Will Ivory Coast perform the giant killer act like Morocco who defeated Netherlands to proceed to the round of 16; only time will tell.