Erling Haaland scores late winner to send Norway into World Cup round of 16

• •Erling Haaland secured Norway's qualification for the round of 16 by scoring the decisive goal against Côte d'Ivoire.
• •Coach Ståle Solbakken’s decision to rest key starters during the group finale against France has been validated by the team's advancement.
• •The tactical approach remains contentious, as the earlier rotation strategy frustrated fans who purchased tickets expecting a headline clash between Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Erling Haaland led Norway to the World Cup round of 16 by netting a dramatic winner against Côte d’Ivoire. This result follows coach Ståle Solbakken's controversial decision to bench his primary squad during the final group match against France, a move that drew widespread criticism from tournament organizers and spectators alike. While the rotation allowed for fresh legs in this knockout-clinching performance, the long-term impact of such aggressive squad management on player chemistry remains to be seen. Whether this gamble provides a sustained advantage in the knockout rounds depends on if Norway can maintain this momentum against higher-ranked opponents.