Ivory Coast will feature in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time ever when they take on Norway in the round of 32 on Tuesday evening in Texas.
The Ivorians have put on brave performances so far that has seen them record victories against Ecuador and Curacao. A narrow 2-1 defeat to group winners Germany saw them finish second in Group E with six points.
Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepe bagged a brace as Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 in their final group game, keeping yet another clean sheet in their quest for a historic outing at the World Cup.
They take on a Norway side who are coming off a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Group I winners France. However, victories of Iraq and Senegal were enough to see them through to the knockout stages.
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Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, who is making his first appearance at a World Cup, already has three goals and was rested in the defeat to France. The 25-year-old will be key for his nation if they are to match or better their round of 16 exit in the 1998 edition.
This will be Ivory Coast’s first appearance in the knockout stages, while Norway will be making their first since 1998.
The Elephants have conceded just twice in three World Cup matches and boast two clean sheets. Their compact defensive structure and physical midfield have been key to their resolute performances.
With this being the first-ever 48-team World Cup, the maiden round of 32 under this new format promises to bring with it loads of drama, with teams in search of history. The Ivorians are one of the nine African teams to qualify for the knockout round.
Out of 10 African nations participating in the tournament, only one failed to make it into the knockout stages – showing the continents greatest ever showing on the global stage.
The winner of this mouthwatering test will take on either five-time winners Brazil or Japan, who will battle it out in their knockout clash on Monday evening.
Betway
Will the Ivorians continue their historic performance and take a step further in the competition, or will the Norwegians make light work of their opponents here? We have a look at both teams ahead of the clash and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Ivory Coast vs Norway start?
The game kicks off at 8PM E.A.T at the AT&T Stadium
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Ivory Coast vs Norway team news
Head coach Emerse Faé has no major injury concerns heading into the match and is expected to stick with the core side that guided the Elephants to their historic first-ever World Cup knockout appearance
The Ivorians have been very consistent, and the midfield exploits and experience of Franck Kessie have been instrumental. He will continue to control proceedings from the midfield.
The back line will remain unchanged as they continue to field their strongest available XI, with Ousmane Diomande and Evan Ndicka retaining their partnership in the heart of the Ivorian defense.
Youngster Yan Diomande has shown flashes of brilliance in his previous starts and will retain his place here with Manchester United forward Amad Diallo starting as well. Pepe will also retain his spot as he looks to add to his two-goal tally from the last game.
Norway made a whopping 10 changes in their final group game with stars Haaland, Martin Odeegard and Sande Berge all being rested.
The trio will return to the starting XI here in their respective positions with Antonio Nusa and Patrick Berg returning to the lineup as well.
Ivory Coast vs Norway head-to-head and current form
The 2-1 defeat to Germany is the Ivorians only defeat in their last six matches, winning all of the remaining matches. They have scored 13 goals in that run and only conceding twice – showing how resolute their defense can be.
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The Norwegians have also lost one game in their last six, setting this up to be a cracking fixture, with both teams coming into the game on great runs of form.
This will be the first ever match played between these two nations.
Current form:
Ivory Coast – WLWWW
Norway – LWWDW
Betway
Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction
Norway’s rested stars give them a slight edge, but Ivory Coast’s physicality and defensive organization should ensure a very competitive contest. They have averaged 2.67 goals per game at the tournament, among the highest in the competition.
The Ivorians have one of the best defenses left in the tournament and if they get an early goal, we can back them to shut the Norwegians out.
Prediction – Ivory Coast to win or draw
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