Haaland's Norway in the knockouts after 28 years

The Côte d'Ivoire-Norway clash to be played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas in the World Cup Round of 32 could be an evenly matched affair. Both teams have performed above expectations at the tournament and will now take the field to claim a place in the last 16.

Côte d'Ivoire are competing in a World Cup knockout round for the first time in their history. Emerse Faé's side finished Group E in second place behind Germany; after beating Ecuador 1-0 and losing 2-1 to Germany, they secured a 2-0 win over Curaçao thanks to a Pépé brace. Up front, the pace of Pépé, Amad and young talent Diomande stands out, while Kessié and Sangaré bring power in midfield.

Norway, meanwhile, are at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 — after a 28-year gap. Ståle Solbakken's side chose to rest, making 10 changes against France in their final group game after beating Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2), and lost 4-1. As a result, their first-choice squad enters the knockouts well-rested. Erling Haaland has already scored four goals at the tournament, with braces against Iraq and Senegal. But Norway's defense has failed to keep a clean sheet in its last 10 games, and that vulnerability offers an opening for Côte d'Ivoire's quick attackers. Right back Ryerson is a doubt with a thigh injury; Aursnes could fill in.

Only a few places separate the two in the world rankings, and the match is expected to be decided by fine margins. The winner will face Brazil, who have already booked their place in the last 16.

🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire (4-2-3-1): Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, Diomande, Konan; Sangaré, Kessié; Amad, Oulai, Diomande; Pépé (Emerse Faé)
🇳🇴 Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aasgaard; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa (Ståle Solbakken)

Image: Sports Illustrated