Norway’s Erling Haaland holds centre stage but Ivory Coast look to steal his thunder in World Cup clash

DALLAS – Erling Haaland will be the centre of attention in Dallas on June 30, but the Ivory Coast will be hoping to highlight some attacking talent of their own when they take on Norway in their World Cup last-32 clash.

The Norwegians’ one-man wrecking ball has four goals in his two appearances at the tournament, and is set to return after being rested in their last group-stage game against France, as were most of their first-choice players.

The 25-year-old scored twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq in Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, and was at his best as they beat Senegal 3-2 to secure their progress to the knockout stages.

The Ivory Coast’s plans will focus on stopping Haaland in what is sure to be a thorough examination of the West African team’s defence, which includes Ousmane Diomande, the highly rated 22-year-old who is expected to depart Sporting Lisbon for the English Premier League before the 2026-27 season.

But coach Emerse Fae, 42, will also be looking to have his side on the front foot and take the game to Norway, while keeping the Manchester City striker off the ball.

The Ivorians have an exciting array of forward talent, led by RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Yan Diomande, who is another player dominating pre-season transfer market rumours, and former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe, who scored twice in their 2-0 win over Curacao on June 25 and is reviving his reputation.

There are nine attacking players in the Ivorian squad who Fae can pick from, including Inter Milan’s 22-year-old Ange-Yoan Bonny, who switched his allegiance from France just recently in May.

“I think that spreading the goals around is a real strength of ours, which we can use to catch our opponents off guard and be a threat from all over the pitch, including players coming off the bench to make a telling contribution,” said the coach.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken said his decision to rest 10 first-team players against France was a “no-brainer” because fatigue had affected several of them.

“This is simple. We did a summary after (their second game against) Senegal, and the entire defence and some midfielders were very affected,” he said.

Solbakken will be relieved the weather in Dallas should not be a factor, given the cooling system in the stadium as the match has a midday kick-off.

Elsewhere on June 30, Ecuador’s late World Cup surge runs into Mexico’s immaculate defence and the weight of the Azteca Stadium atmosphere in Mexico City, where they face the co-hosts for a place in the last 16.

The Ecuadorians made the last 32 the hard way, losing 1-0 to the Ivory Coast and being held to a 0-0 draw with Curacao, before reviving their campaign with a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Germany.

Mexico topped their group with three wins, scoring six goals and conceding none, proving they can benefit from the noisy home support that has helped them thrive.

Their defensive record has been the defining feature of their tournament, giving Javier Aguirre’s side a platform as they prepare for another high-pressure night.

For Ecuador, managing the atmosphere may be as important as breaking down Mexico’s defence. An early breakthrough would force the home side into unfamiliar territory at this World Cup. REUTERS