Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast finished second in their group behind Germany after wins over Ecuador and Curacao. This is a historical achievement for the Elephants, who got eliminated in the group stages of all three previous attempts. And they hadn’t qualified for a World Cup since 2014 too.
This will be huge test for Ivory Coast, but they already came very close to getting something against Germany, which should provide enough confidence that they can deal with Norway.
Injuries & Team News
Monaco defender Wilfried Singo limped off against Germany and then missed out against Curacao, while Evan Ndicka also again failed to get minutes as he attempts to return to full fitness but he is available.
Despite ongoing legal issues in France, Elye Wahi returned to the squad and came off the bench against Curacao but it would be a surprise if he replaced Internazionale striker Ange-Yoan Bonny in the starting eleven.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-0 Curacao |
W W W W L W
|
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-4-2):
Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Sangare, Kessie, Y. Diomande; Pepe, Bonny
Norway
Norway produced some of the most exciting matches in the group stage, winning against Iraq and Senegal, but losing to France. This, however, felt like a calculated decision, considering that manager Stale Solbakken left Erling Haaland on the bench.
But this also means that the star striker will be well rested and at 100% for this knockout clash. This will be key, as Norway seek their first-ever knockout-stage win, having previously reached the Round of 16 twice, though back when the World Cup format didn’t feature a Round of 32.
Injuries & Team News
There were some impressive performances, notably Patrick Berg and Oscar Bobb, from their game against France but Norway will be expected to return to their best eleven with none of that ‘B’ team getting in, bar Fredrik Aursnes, with the versatile Benfica man having been the only man from the first-choice eleven to play in that game.
There are some defensive injury issues, though, with Julian Ryerson limping off against Borussia Dortmund and unavailable here, while Torbjorn Heggem also suffered a knock against Senegal but should be fine.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-4 vs France | D W D W W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Norway possible starting lineup:
Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berg, Berge; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast Win | 2/1- (3.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 9/4 – (3.25) | Dream Vegas |
| Norway Win | 6/5 – (2.20) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Ivory Coast 1-1 Norway
All of the knockout stage matches thus far have been tight affairs and this might be just the same, not much separates these side and we could be going the distance again.