Norway’s Erling Haaland takes part in a training session. (AFP)
Doha: Knockout football has a way of changing everything. The excitement gives way to a simple equation: win and continue, lose and go home.
That is the challenge facing Norway and Ivory Coast when they meet in Dallas in the Round of 32, with both nations sensing a rare opportunity to move a step closer to the biggest prize in football.
Norway arrive with their key attacking players rested after sitting out the final group game against France. Having secured qualification with victories in their opening two matches, Stale Solbakken made 10 changes for the final group game against France. The result was a 4-1 defeat, but Norway’s key players are well rested ahead of the knockout rounds.
All eyes will once again be on Erling Haaland, the relentless goalscorer who has already struck four times in just two World Cup appearances. Captain Martin Odegaard remains the creative force in midfield, while Alexander Sorloth provides a stron supporting role in attack and Antonio Nusa brings pace on the wing.
Standing in their way is an Ivory Coast side carrying plenty of confidence into the knockout rounds.
The Elephants finished second behind Germany after winning two of their three group matches. Their only defeat came in heartbreaking fashion, surrendering a first-half lead before Germany produced a second-half comeback to win 2-1. Rather than allowing that setback to define them, Emerse Fae’s side responded with a composed victory over Curacao to book a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Ivory Coast also have plenty of players capable of making the difference. Amad Diallo and Simon Adingra provide pace and creativity in the wide areas, while Nicolas Pepe heads into the knockout stage full of confidence after scoring twice in the final group match. In midfield, Franck Kessie will be key to breaking up Norway’s attacks, while defender Ousmane Diomande faces the difficult task of stopping Erling Haaland.
The battle in midfield could prove just as important as stopping the Viking’s star striker. Martin Odegaard will look to control the game and create chances for Norway, while Ivory Coast will aim to stay organised and hit on the counter through the pace of Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pepe. If Norway dominate possession, Haaland and Sorloth will have plenty of opportunities. But if Ivory Coast can stop Odegaard from dictating play, they have the pace to cause problems at the other end.
The match will also mark the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations.
Neither nation has a rich history in the latter stages of the World Cup. Norway are appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time since France 1998, when they were eliminated by Italy. Ivory Coast, despite producing generations of talented players, have never gone beyond the group stage until this tournament.
That makes today’s encounter even more significant. For one side it is the chance to revive memories of a golden era, while for the other it is an opportunity to reach uncharted territory and continue one of the stories of the tournament. Only one nation will take another step towards World Cup glory. History awaits for one of them in Dallas.
