How Côte d'Ivoire approaches the match
I like the balance in this Côte d'Ivoire team. They do not flood games with chances, their tournament xG sits at 1.1 per game, but they have been efficient, disciplined and emotionally sharp. Four goals scored and only two conceded is a strong knockout profile. The 2-0 against Curaçao mattered psychologically, because Pépé's brace sent them through with authority and reinforced the idea that they can win without needing long spells of domination.
Their strengths are clear to me. They have pace in wide areas, runners who attack space, and midfielders like Kessié and Sangaré who can turn matches into duels. Defensively, Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou are the sort of centre-backs you want against Haaland, physical, aggressive and comfortable in recovery. The weakness is also obvious. If Côte d'Ivoire sink too deep for too long, Norway will keep loading crosses and second balls. Sports Mole also flags Wilfried Singo as a doubt, and that could matter in wide defensive coverage. I expect Emerse Faé to play compact, then break hard through Pépé, Amad and Yan Diomande into the channels.
How Norway approaches the match
Norway come in with the more explosive attack and the noisier tournament numbers. They have scored eight times, average 1.8 xG per game, and Haaland already has four goals despite being rested against France. That 1-4 defeat needs context. Solbakken changed ten starters, so I would not read it as a collapse as much as a managed loss with eyes on the knockout round.
With Ødegaard supplying, Haaland attacking the box, and support from Sørloth, Nusa or Bobb, Norway can hurt any back line quickly. Their problem is the other phase. They have conceded seven goals and have not looked secure when transitions break against them. That is exactly why BTTS Yes sits as short as 1.66. Ryerson is a doubt, which could weaken the full-back zone, and that is where Côte d'Ivoire can smell value. Still, Norway's starters should be fresher than the scoreline against France suggests, and their bench gives Solbakken real options if the game stretches.
What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes
If the score is level, we move to two extra periods of 15 minutes, and then a penalty shootout if needed. In that scenario I slightly prefer Norway's attacking depth, because they can change profiles without losing threat. Côte d'Ivoire, though, may enjoy the chaos of extra time if spaces open for direct running. Physical condition matters here, and both teams have reasons for optimism. Norway preserved key legs against France, while Côte d'Ivoire come in on the back of two clean sheets in three group matches. Goalkeeper reliability and penalty quality would become decisive, and with players like Haaland and Ødegaard, Norway feel a little more trustworthy from the spot.
Match prediction and the team that will advance
I expect a balanced first half, Norway seeing more of the dangerous central moments, Côte d'Ivoire threatening whenever the game breaks. My regular-time probabilities are close to the market, roughly 26 percent Côte d'Ivoire, 28 percent draw, 46 percent Norway. The main bet I prefer is Both teams to score, Yes at 1.66. The alternative is Norway to win in 90 minutes at 2.04, but that is a more volatile ticket because Norway's defence invites stress.
My probable 90-minute score is 1-2. I also think extra time is live, around the mid-20s in probability, because the matchup is tighter than the badge power suggests. For the team to advance, I lean Norway. The price on Norway in regular time reflects superior attacking ceiling, and if the game becomes a contest of moments, Haaland and Ødegaard usually tilt those moments their way.