Norway face Ivory Coast with Brazil waiting in the last 16

Knockout day: Norway face Ivory Coast in Dallas

This is it. Norway play Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32 on Tuesday, 30 June, with a last-16 date against Brazil waiting for the winner (1) (3). Brazil booked their ticket on Monday with a stoppage-time Gabriel Martinelli goal sealing a 2–1 win over Japan (6). Your team have not been in this position since 1998, and Solbakken's side go in knowing exactly what is at stake.

Solbakken credits Guardiola's school for Norway's rise

Ståle Solbakken has opened up on the tactical shift behind Norway's tournament run. "Guardiola's school has influenced Norwegian football a lot, with a lot of possession play and what happens with the defence," the coach said ahead of the Ivory Coast match, adding that Norway can now compete with the big nations (1). The blend of old and new, directness and control, is clicking.

Gervinho: Ivory Coast should fear themselves, not just Haaland

Former Arsenal and Ivory Coast winger Gervinho has fired a warning at his young compatriots. "The advantage we have is that we're not going into it as favourites, so that should allow my younger brothers to play with less pressure," he said, while stressing they must be wary of their own flaws, not just Erling Haaland (2).

Police escort in Dallas left Solbakken stunned

Norway landed in Dallas to a reception the coach described as "surreal", full police escort, lights flashing, the works (4). It is the kind of welcome a team gets when they have already captured a country's imagination. Solbakken's men have earned it.

Saliba back for France as they face Sweden

On the other side of the bracket, William Saliba is expected to start for France against Sweden on Tuesday after being rested against Norway in the group stage with a back issue (7). France face Sweden in their own round of 32 tie the same day (3).