from ALEXIS DOUMBIA in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
ABIDJAN, (CAJ News) – IVORY Coast’s World Cup dream has ended at the hands of Norway in a last-32 encounter at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Kept at bay by the West Africans throughout much of the match, hotshot striker Erling Haaland pounced late in the encounter to eliminate the determined West African outfit.
The two nations were facing each other for the first time in a major tournament.
The Elephants fell behind in the 39th minute following a wonder strike by Antonio Nusa. He curled the ball into the top-right corner beyond the reach of Yahia Fofana. It was against the run of play, as the Ivorians had looked more likely to break the deadlock.
The West Africans’ response came through Amad Diallo, who produced a great piece of individual brilliance when he swept through the Norwegian defence to fire past Ørjan Håskjold Nyland in the 74th minute. It was his second goal of the tournament.
Haaland, however, had the final say four minutes from time with his fifth goal of the tournament, tapping in unmarked from six yards.
Seven minutes proved insufficient for Ivory Coast to find an equaliser.
They, however, bow out with their heads held high, having qualified for this stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history after first qualifying in 2006.
Norway will play Brazil in the last 16 in New Jersey on Sunday.
– CAJ News