Norway Take Lead Against Ivory Coast in Round of 32

Norway secured a crucial advantage in their Round of 32 clash against Ivory Coast with a standout goal from forward Antonio Nusa, marking a pivotal moment in the early stages of the tournament. The 26-year-old striker, who had previously struggled to find form, delivered a composed and technically precise finish in the 28th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures and putting his side ahead in the decisive knockout stage. The goal followed a swift counterattack, with Nusa latching onto a through-ball before curling a low shot into the corner of the net, leaving the Ivorian goalkeeper with no chance.

The victory builds on Norway’s strong group campaign, where they finished second behind Germany, while Ivory Coast’s early exit remains a distinct possibility despite their efforts to regroup. Manager Martin Ødegaard made three tactical substitutions in the second half to reinforce his attacking line, though the Elephants failed to capitalize on set-pieces or create sustained pressure. With the scoreline at 1-0 heading into the final 20 minutes, Norway will aim to extend their lead, while Ivory Coast must respond decisively to avoid elimination. The match, played at a packed Lillestrøm Stadium, underscores the unpredictable nature of tournament football, where individual brilliance can shift momentum in an instant.