Ivory Coast arrive at this World Cup round of 32 tie with real momentum after three wins in their last five outings. They beat Curaçao 2-0 just days ago and have shown they can handle pressure against stronger sides too.
Norway sit on the other side with a mixed bag of results. A heavy 1-4 defeat to France sits alongside three victories, yet their attack has fired in several of those games. The absence of a head to head record leaves both sides without any recent blueprint to work from.
Yan Diomande has emerged as a focal point for Ivory Coast in attack while Amad Diallo adds pace out wide. Franck Kessié remains in the squad despite a minor injury scare and will captain the side from midfield. Clément Akpa misses out with an adductor problem so Christopher Operi steps in.
Norway rely heavily on Erling Haaland who netted 16 times during qualifying and stays in top form. Martin Ødegaard joins the squad for rehab on his knee but the creative burden still falls on him when fit. Their last known starting eleven featured Egil Selvik in goal and Jørgen Strand Larsen up front.
This marks Ivory Coast's first ever appearance in the knockout stages. Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Both teams have already secured progress from the group phase though exact points tallies remain unclear from the records.
Expect Ivory Coast to stay compact and look for quick transitions through their wide options. Norway will likely push forward early given Haaland's presence but they conceded four against France and may struggle if Ivory Coast hit them on the break.
Recommended Bets
Ivory Coast win @2.10 — three victories in their last five matches give them the edge over a Norway side that lost their most recent outing 1-4.
Over 2.5 goals @1.85 — Norway's last five games produced four totals above that line including a 3-2 and 4-1.
Haaland anytime goalscorer @1.70 — the striker has 16 qualifying goals and starts every big game for Norway.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
