Defensive battle: Norway set the tone in the duels
Norway established themselves through consistent work without the ball, repeatedly breaking up Ivory Coast’s rhythm and denying them time to settle in key areas. They edged the physical contest, winning 48 duels to 39, and stayed aggressive in recovery moments with 24 tackles to 18.
Their reading of danger also stood out, registering 6 interceptions to 4, as they closed passing lanes early and forced play into less dangerous wide positions.
Ivory Coast remained disciplined and composed under pressure, but found it difficult to turn possession into opportunity through central areas.
Attacking edge: Norway more direct, more disruptive in key moments
Ivory Coast circulated the ball with greater fluency, completing 415 passes at 88 percent accuracy compared to Norway’s 338 at 85 percent, using longer spells of possession to settle the game.
But their threat often lacked incision, with attacks tending to drift wide rather than break through centrally.
Norway offered a more direct response. They delivered 28 crosses to Ivory Coast’s 10, repeatedly pushing the ball into dangerous areas and keeping the opposition back line under pressure. Both sides finished level on 8 key passes, but Norway were more effective when accelerating play into the final third.
That sharper edge also showed in isolation moments, with Norway completing 7 dribbles compared to 3, consistently progressing play through individual actions and turning small openings into forward momentum.
Ivory Coast pass well but lack final incision
Ivory Coast’s passing kept them in the contest, but without the same level of penetration or end product in decisive areas, Norway’s more direct approach proved the difference in overall threat.
Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato
