Brazil look to avoid World Cup upset at the hands of Norway: Live updates

Norway had not been to the World Cup since 1998, but their return still came with hopes of a serious challenge given the Premier League superstar duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard and eight wins from eight in World Cup qualifying.

So far, they have lived up to the billing. Haaland quickly announced his arrival on the global stage with a brace as Norway breezed past Iraq 4-1 in their opener, before holding off Senegal for a 3-2 win to clinch their spot in the knockout stage from Group I.

With that spot secured, Norway manager Stale Solbakken opted to rest most of his first-choice players in the group-stage finale and battle for top spot against France — including Haaland and Odegaard. A full-strength France dispatched Norway 4-1 thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s hat-trick to win the group.

That set up a round of 32 tie against Ivory Coast in Arlington, Texas. Norway took the lead after a superb Antonio Nusa goal late in the first half and although Amad Diallo equalised in style for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute, Norway kept knocking on the door and Haaland finally found the net with four minutes of normal time remaining to secure Norway’s spot in the last 16 today.