Erling Haaland scored Norway’s late winner against Ivory Coast to set up a World Cup last-16 tie with Brazil, giving Manchester City and Enzo Maresca another pre-season decision.
The Manchester City striker struck in the 86th minute as Norway won 2-1 in the Round of 32, keeping his tournament alive and extending one of City’s biggest summer workload questions.
The Guardian reported that Haaland bundled in Patrick Berg’s delivery after Antonio Nusa’s opener and Amad Diallo’s second-half equaliser had threatened to drag the tie towards extra-time. Reuters also reported that Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament sent Norway into the last 16 and their first World Cup knockout victory.
For City, the sporting upside is obvious. Haaland is carrying tournament rhythm, decisive penalty-box sharpness and the kind of national momentum only elite forwards generate.
Haaland Brazil Tie Changes City’s Summer Plans
The problem is timing. Norway now face Brazil on Sunday, which means Haaland’s recovery curve could stretch deeper into July than City’s staff would ideally want.
That matters because Maresca is already balancing a compressed summer, a pre-season tour, the Community Shield and the start of the Premier League campaign. Read Man City has already examined how City’s post-Guardiola fixture list gives Maresca a demanding early-season runway, with Bournemouth first at the Etihad before tougher away tests quickly arrive.
Haaland’s latest intervention adds a simple truth. City’s biggest weapon is still peaking, but every extra World Cup minute tightens the margin for managing him safely.
The Brazil tie is a brilliant stage for Haaland and Norway. For Maresca, it is also another reminder that City’s new tactical cycle may have to begin with careful load management around the player who still defines their ceiling.
