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Haaland Scores As Norway Defeat Ivory Coast To Qualify For 2026 FIFA World Cup Round Of 16

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Norway are through to the Round of 16 after edging a gripping knockout contest in Dallas.

Antonio Nusa’s stunning opener and Erling Haaland’s decisive winner proved enough despite Amad Diallo producing one of the moments of the tournament with his brilliant solo equaliser.

Konan whips in a dangerous cross that looks like it could dip under the bar, but Nyland reacts brilliantly, stretching to get the faintest touch and tip it away from danger.

Defeat was harsh on the Ivory Coast, for whom Amad Diallo conjured up a brilliant goal after coming off the bench on the hour mark. Antonio Nusa had opened the scoring for Norway six minutes before the break.

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Ivory Coast pushed until the very end, but Norway held firm to book a mouthwatering last-16 clash against five-time world champions Brazil.

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Lampard extends Coventry stay after promotion to EPL

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Frank Lampard has signed a new deal with Coventry that is set to keep him with the Premier League side until 2029, it was announced Tuesday.

Lampard was in charge as the Sky Blues to English football’s top-flight for the first time in 25 years by winning last season’s second-tier Championship.

The 48-year-old former England midfielder took over at the Midlands club in November 2024 and helped them to a play-off finish in his first season in charge before losing out to Sunderland in the semi-finals.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, it’s a real honour to represent this club,” said Lampard, already looking forward to the challenge of Premier League football.

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Lampard, previously in charge of Chelsea, Everton and Derby, added: “After the incredible work of everybody to get promoted and win the Championship, it was important to enjoy the moment, and we certainly did as a city.

“Our job then as staff, and for the players of course, is to firstly recharge but also focus on what we want to do and what we need to for next season. There’s a lot of work to do on and off the pitch as a football club, so those things have been ongoing.

“I’m looking forward to getting back with the players, to see them all and get ready for the new season.”

Coventry have a tough start to their Premier League return, with Lampard’s team away to champions Arsenal on August 21.

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2026 World Cup: Shameful, Drogba angry as Cote D’Ivoire loses to Norway

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Cote d’Ivoire legend, Didier Drogba, has slammed the Video Assistant Referee, VAR,  after his country was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

The Elephants were beaten 2-1 by Norway in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday night.

Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the first half, before Amad Diallo levelled for the Ivorians.

But Erling Haaland tapped home the winner late in the game, to send Norway through.

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After the game, Drogba took to his X page, to question why Nicolas Pepe didn’t get a penalty for a foul in the area.

“Disgraceful that penalty not given for Nicolas Pépé… what is VAR even for?” Drogba wrote.

Norway will now play Brazil in the last 16 of the tournament.

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Lionel Scaloni warns Argentina says don’t underestimate Cape Verde in World Cup tussle

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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has warned his players not to underestimate Cape Verde national football team ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter.

The reigning world champions will face the African debutants after Cape Verde made history by becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the knockout stage of a men’s FIFA World Cup.

Few observers expected Cape Verde to progress when they were drawn into a challenging Group H alongside Spain national football team, Uruguay national football team and Saudi Arabia national football team.

However, the tournament newcomers exceeded expectations with a series of determined performances, earning three consecutive draws to secure qualification.

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A goalless draw against Spain, followed by an entertaining 2-2 stalemate with Uruguay and another draw against Saudi Arabia, was enough to see Cape Verde finish as runners-up in the group and book a place in the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, Argentina national football team, inspired by captain Lionel Messi, topped Group J after an impressive group-stage campaign and head into the match as overwhelming favourites.

Despite Argentina’s status, Scaloni insisted that his players must approach the fixture with complete focus and respect for their opponents.

Speaking after Argentina’s victory over Jordan national football team, the coach praised Cape Verde’s organisation, discipline and resilience throughout the tournament.

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“On Cape Verde, I’m not surprised they qualified. They made things very difficult for every opponent they faced. They are a tough team and they’ll make life difficult for us,” Scaloni said.

“They frustrated Spain, one of the tournament favourites. Uruguay couldn’t beat them, and neither could Saudi Arabia.”

Scaloni’s comments reflect Argentina’s determination to avoid complacency as they continue their quest to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title against a Cape Verde side that has already emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages.

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