World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: Ivory Coast v Norway

Match 78: Ivory Coast v Norway
Location: Dallas Stadium
Time: 5:00am, Wednesday 1 July
Head to Head: First meeting

Key Stats

• Over 2.5 goals is 7-2 in Norway’s last 9 games
• Both teams to score has hit in 10 of the last 11 games involving Norway
• Erling Haaland has scored 26 goals in his last 17 international appearances
• Ivory Coast have record 5 clean sheets in their last 7 games

Preview

In years gone by the Ivory Coast squad has featured legends of the game including Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure but they have not been able to achieve what the current side has – qualify for the knockout stages of this tournament. This is the first time in history that the Ivory Coast have progressed with a double from Pepe in the final group game helping them clinch second spot.

Similarly, Norway does not have a history of success in this competition with this being their first appearance at the finals since 1998. On that occasion they made the Round of 16 but their current squad is a golden generation and their ceiling is far beyond that. With second spot wrapped up leading into their final group game, the manager opted to rest Haaland, Odegaard and Sorloth among others for the match against France. As a result, the 4-1 loss carries no bearing on what will happen in this contest.

Instead, we will focus on what he have seen from Norway prior to that – an attacking force that had score 2+ goals in 7 of its last 11. The Norwegians play an attacking brand of football which leads to goal scoring opportunities on both ends. Both teams to score has hit in 10 of their last 11 games with Over 2.5 goals going 7-2 in their last 9. Haaland has been an unstoppable force and the braces he scored in the first two group games are the tip of the iceberg. He has scored at least once in 14 of his last 17 internationals with an incredible 26 goals scored in those matches!

Stopping Haaland will be a priority for Ivory Coast whose defence has been their biggest strength. They have 5 clean sheets in their last 7 games with Germany and France being the only two nations to score against them in that period. They have scored 2+ goals themselves in 7 of their last 10 which highlights that they can get it done on both ends. That said, Norway have the superior attack with Haaland and he will be the separator in a high scoring game.

Player To Watch

Amad Diallo has been excellent for Ivory Coast but all eyes will be on Erling Haaland in this one. He is the one player on the field that can determine the outcome on his own and he has consistently shown this for both club and country in recent years. His goal scoring record is phenomenal and he will be itching to get on the field after being rested against France. As we have already witnessed, his understanding and connection on the pitch with Odegaard is second to none.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($1.70)
Other: Over 3.5 goals ($3.00)
Correct Score: Norway 3-1 ($15)
SGM: Norway WIN, Haaland Anytime Goalscorer, Score or Assist – Odegaard ($4.45)