By Daniel Akinte
The dramatic finish generated thousands of reactions online.
One supporter wrote: “Haaland is simply inevitable. He can disappear for 85 minutes and still decide the game with one touch.”
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Many supporters reserved special praise for substitute Amad Diallo despite the defeat.
“Amad changed the game completely. He should have started. What a performance from the Manchester United winger,” one fan posted.
Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland also emerged as one of the night’s heroes after producing a superb injury-time save to deny Diallo.
“Everyone will talk about Haaland, but Nyland’s save won Norway the match,” a supporter commented.
Some fans expressed sympathy for Ivory Coast.
Another posted: “African teams have been entertaining throughout this tournament. Ivory Coast can leave with their heads held high.”
Others were already looking ahead to Norway’s next challenge.
Following the final whistle, Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié admitted the defeat was painful.
“This elimination leaves a very bitter taste. We had a real chance. It was a 50-50 game. They managed to capitalise on their chances,” Kessie lamented.
Head coach Emerse Fae also lamented his side’s missed opportunities.
“When you get chances, you have to score. We did the hard part by equalising. Unfortunately, we conceded that goal at the end,” Fae noted.
Norway’s victory marked the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout triumph and set up a quarter-final meeting with Brazil, while Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament further strengthened his reputation as one of the competition’s most decisive players.
