Norway: 2, Ivory Coast: 1
Another battle in the Round of 32. A plethora of chances throughout the match, but with Norway coming out on top with a late winner.
Ivory Coast had the majority of the chances in the first half, even with an attack as strong as Norway’s, but all it took was one chance. Central midfielder Martin Odegaard passed it over to left winger Antonio Nusa, who curled it into the top corner of the goal to make it 1-0. It was an unbelievable strike with perfect accuracy.
Substitute Amad Diallo came on in the 60th minute, and in the 74th minute, he also scored an incredible goal, this time utilizing an excellent run, beating multiple defenders. Both of his goals at the World Cup were scored after coming on as a substitute.
It was getting late, and neither team was truly pushing. The game winning goal came out of nowhere, and it was started at the feet of substitute Oscar Bobb. His through ball to central midfielder Patrick Berg let him make an easy pass over to striker Erling Haaland, and although his finish wasn’t the cleanest, he still had a wide open net to shoot at.
Haaland doesn’t get many touches of the ball, but he utilizes them. It is his fifth goal of the tournament, and he is the first player to score in his first three appearances.
Norway will get Brazil in the Round of 16. Haaland and Brazilian defender Gabriel have bad blood, and is a storyline to watch on July 5.
Player of the Match: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
France: 3, Sweden: 0
It has become a question if anyone can stop the French.
It should have been more than 3 goals for France. Attacking midfielder Michael Olise hit the post on a bicycle attempt, what would have been one of the best World Cup goals of all time. Striker Kylian Mbappe also hit a post in the first half, and scored a goal that was ruled offside.
Mbappe ended up scoring the first goal anyways right before halftime, and the French were rolling from there. It didn’t take long for left winger Bradley Barcola to add a second, his second of the tournament. Mbappe added on another, from nearly the exact same spot he scored the first goal from. He is now up to 6 goals in the tournament, which is tied for the lead.
Sweden’s goalkeeper, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, despite giving up 3 goals, was still excellent against the French barrage, making 9 saves.
France will play Paraguay in the Round of 16.
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Mexico: 2, Ecuador: 0
Playing Mexico in Mexico City is a near impossible challenge. The fans don’t make it easy, and the altitude doesn’t make it easy. Ecuador got the worst of it, being sent home without putting up much of a fight.
Left winger Julian Quinones scored first in the 22nd minute. Right winger Roberto Alvarado’s pass gave him a wide open pitch, and his powerful shot was sent over the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.
Eight minutes after that, striker Raul Jimenez made it 2-0, Quinones made the pass and Jimenez found the top corner of the goal. It was demoralizing for Ecuador, and they could never get back into it.
Left back Piero Hincapie received a red card in second half stoppage time for covering his mouth, but the match was already decided, and didn’t weigh anything in the final result.
Mexico will play either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16, back home in Mexico City.
Player of the Match: Julian Quinones (Al Qadsiah)