Haaland leads Norway to first World Cup knockout victory, France and Mexico advance
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Erling Haaland scored an 86th-minute winner to secure Norway's first-ever World Cup knockout victory, a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway before Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast. Norway will now face Brazil in the last 16. Haaland has scored five goals in the tournament, one behind Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, France aims to secure their place in the last 16 against Sweden, and co-hosts Mexico will play Ecuador. France's attack features Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. Sweden's coach Graham Potter acknowledged the challenge of facing France's quality. Mexico has the advantage of remaining in their capital city if they beat Ecuador, facing the winner of England versus Democratic Republic of Congo. In other matches, Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout, and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in a shootout, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saving a crucial penalty. Brazil also advanced, coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1.
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