Norway edged a 2-1 victory away from home after a two-goal sequence that flipped the game from a Nusa strike early in the first half to a late Haaland winner. The opening goal came at 00:38:58, with Nusa finishing after an assist from Odegaard, setting the pace for a match that Norway controlled in bursts. Ivory Coast responded through Amad Diallo on 01:13:43, before Haaland secured the win for Norway with an assist from Berg at 01:25:00, just before the final whistle.

Norway’s creative spine was most evident in the midfield transition between Odegaard and Berg, with Odegaard delivering the assist for Nusa and Berg freeing Haaland for the late winner. The distribution from midfield and quick switch plays allowed Norway to convert two decisive moments into goals, while Ivory Coast relied on Pepe’s late-stage setup to Diallo for their equaliser. This pointed to a clear difference in how the teams capitalised on attacking opportunities: Norway’s dependability in central zones versus Ivory Coast’s reliance on wing-driven set-piece pressure.

Ivory Coast generated the higher volume of set-piece opportunities, earning 14 corners to Norway’s 3, while both sides had an equal number of offsides (2 each). Shots on target were relatively close (Ivory Coast 5, Norway 4), but the corner overload did not translate into a higher goal tally for the home team. The balance of fouls (6 for Ivory Coast, 7 for Norway) and a single yellow card for Nusa suggest a disciplined approach from Norway, contrasted with Ivory Coast’s pressure-driven output.

Defensively, Norway managed to weather the sustained set-piece threat and concentrate defensive resolve around the box during Ivory Coast’s bombardment. The lack of multiple yellow cards beyond Nusa’s single caution indicates a controlled approach from the visitors’ backline and midfield protection. Ivory Coast’s defensive shape held firm enough to keep the score at 1-1 for a long stretch before Haaland’s late winner, highlighting a resilient but ultimately insufficient stop-line under sustained pressure.

Tactically, Norway leveraged a compact central engine room to feed the wide and attacking runners, with Odegaard and Berg providing decisive distribution for both the Nusa opener and Haaland’s finish. Ivory Coast depended on cross-heavy play and set-piece volume to produce chances, but the conversion rate remained lower than required to convert pressure into a lead. The data suggest the match was won in midfield efficiency and finishing quality at key moments rather than sheer territorial dominance.

Betting takeaway: the result underscores the value of midfield creativity and finishing efficiency, with Odegaard and Berg delivering two pivotal moments for Norway. Ivory Coast’s 14 corners show a clear plan to win from set pieces, yet the lack of final third conversion limits upside from volume alone. For future matches, expect Norway to rely on their central midfielders to create high-quality chances, while Ivory Coast will continue to push through wide play and set-piece scenarios, hoping to improve finishing and conversion rates.

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