Haaland Leads Norway to Historic World Cup Win, France and Mexico Set to Advance

Erling Haaland helped Norway achieve their first-ever knockout victory in the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday. France and Mexico are also looking to secure their spots in the last 16.

Haaland scored the winning goal in the 86th minute in Arlington, Texas. This goal dashed Ivory Coast’s hopes after Amad Diallo equalised, following Antonio Nusa’s opening goal for Norway.

Norway, who lost in their previous knockout appearances in 1938 and 1998, will now face Brazil in the last 16 on Sunday. They have a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

Manchester City striker Haaland heads into this match full of confidence. He has scored five goals in the tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi, who has six.

Ivory Coast’s Diallo nearly scored an equaliser in injury time. His curling free-kick aimed at the top corner was saved by Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

This win was a big moment for Norway coach Stale Solbakken. He faced criticism after he benched Haaland and played a weaker team in their last group match, which they lost 4-1 to France.

Later on Tuesday, France hopes to secure their place in the last 16 against Sweden in New Jersey. Co-hosts Mexico are also looking to continue their journey in front of a lively crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they play Ecuador.

Sweden needs to find a way to stop France’s strong attacking players. This includes Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored four goals in the tournament, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who netted a hat-trick against Norway in the group stage.

Michael Olise is another key player for France, causing problems for defenders with his runs.

With great attacking power and skill in midfield, France seems set to reach their third final in a row at the World Cup.

The only concern may be their defence. Sweden also has talented forwards who will try to break through, although Premier League players Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres have not performed at their best in this tournament.

Sweden coach Graham Potter said his team must do something special to beat France.

“They have quality all over. They have won the World Cup before and they have a fantastic manager,” Potter said on Monday.

“An exciting challenge awaits us, and we will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.”

Mexico knows that if they beat Ecuador, they will stay in their capital city to face the winner of the match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo.