By Izuchukwu Okosi
Norway will face Brazil in a repeat of the1998 World Cup fixture albeit at the knockout stage following their nervy 2-1 win over one of African representatives Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday evening.
Norway led at half time after swathes of attacking forays made by the Ivorians.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland returned to the line up after sitting out their last group game as Norway made 10 changes again after the 4-2 loss to France.
Both teams were bidding for first-ever victory in World Cup knockout game.
Norway international of Nigerian descent Antonio Nusa put his team ahead with a wonderful curling effort before the half-time break.
The Ivorians introduced Manchester United’s Amad Traore after the break in search of pace and the cutting edge to break down Norway but the resolute defending by the Europeans proved to overcome.
A perfect Martin Ordegaard corner kick in the 68th minute almost culminated in another Norway goal but the Ivorians cleared their lines.
Traore made his second introduction count as he grabbed the equaliser with a slalom run and fantastic finish in the 74th minute.
Haaland however made it 2-1 a few minutes afterwards with the Ivorians defenders affording the predatory striker space in front of goal to slot home the ball.
Amad Traore produced a great free kick in the dying seconds of the game but Norway’s goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland pushed away the ball superbly.
The Europeans held on for the duration of the seven minutes allocated as added time.
