Texas [US], July 2 (ANI): Norway head coach Stale Solbakken despatched a playful however extremely assured warning to Brazil after guiding his squad to a historic 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast within the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
The dramatic triumph marked Norway’s first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match, ending a decades-long drought after earlier knockout exits in 1938 and 1998.
In the aftermath of the historic whistle in Texas, the Norwegian dressing room erupted into joyous celebrations. According to a video shared by Planeta do Futebol on X, Solbakken delivered a passionate speech to his squad in Norwegian earlier than switching to English to ship a direct message to Brazil’s legendary supervisor.
‘Carlo Ancelotti, we’re coming for you!’ stated Norway Head Coach Stale Solbakken.
The daring declaration prompted rapid laughter, cheers, and loud applause from the jubilant gamers. Star striker Erling Haaland additionally took to social media to cement the milestone, sharing a match photograph on Instagram with the caption: ‘A day we’ll always remember.’
The celebratory temper was hard-earned. The Ivory Coast managed the opening exchanges of the match, with winger Nicolas Pepe forcing an excellent early save out of Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Norway slowly discovered their footing and broke the impasse within the thirty ninth minute. Captain Martin Odegaard orchestrated a slick workforce transfer, discovering 21-year-old Antonio Nusa, who curled a powerful effort into the highest nook. The strike made Nusa the youngest-ever Norwegian goalscorer at a significant worldwide match.
The West African heavyweights fought again fiercely after the interval. In the 74th minute, substitute Amad Diallo levelled the rating at 1-1 following a blinding solo run and a neat mixture play with Pepe.
With additional time looming, Norway’s star energy finally made the distinction. In the 86th minute, Oscar Bobb and Patrick Berg mixed brilliantly to slice open the Ivorian backline, laying it off for Haaland to faucet residence from shut vary. The dramatic match-winner marked Haaland’s sixtieth worldwide purpose.
Norway’s reward for its historic feat is a large blockbuster matchup in opposition to five-time world champions Brazil on Monday. Under the steerage of Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao punched their very own ticket to the final 16 by edging previous Japan 2-1 of their respective Round of 32 fixture.
Solbakken’s males now face their final tactical litmus take a look at with a coveted spot within the World Cup quarterfinals on the road. (ANI)