Ivory Coast vs Norway Betting Tips and Stats

I think we’re looking at one of the most competitive round of 32 ties here; both Ivory Coast and Norway were very impressive during the group stage, and given the firepower on show here, I doubt we’re going to see these sides sit back. Goals are the name of the game, and we’ll see plenty of them.

You simply have to start with Norway here. Not only do they have an attack spearheaded by Erling Haaland, there are also question marks over their solidity at the back. Over 2.5 goals has landed in all three of their games at the World Cup, granted they rotated heavily against France, but 3-1 and 3-2 wins over Iraq and Senegal give you an idea of what to expect. They will score goals, as they have done in 21 of their last 22 games, but they’re liable to ship goals against better sides; an average of 5.00 match goals is the result of that.

Ivory Coast are one of those better sides. Their games haven’t been goal laden as of yet, but they’ve shown positive signs; a game against Ecuador is never going to be full of goals, but their 2-1 loss to Germany is similar to what I’d expect from this one. Ivory Coast have shown their credentials in forward areas, but they crumbled defensively against a better side, and you’ll see action at both ends once again here.

This really could be a tough outing for Fredrik Aursnes. Julian Ryerson’s injury means that he could once again be used at right back here, but whether there or in his more natural midfield position, there are a whole host of players that can cause him problems when Norway are out of possession.

Aursnes’ lack of pace makes it difficult for him in one on one duels, and that’s regardless of where he’s playing. He’s averaging 2.17 fouls P/90 at the World Cup so far, with no other player in the Norway squad having committed more fouls. Four against Senegal, one against France, Aursnes has struggled against nations capable of increasing the pace of the game, and Ivory Coast can certainly do just that.

In fact, I think Ivory Coast present a pretty clear threat across the pitch here, and have the players at their disposal to exploit Aursnes’ weaknesses. If operating at right back, the Norwegian will have to contend with the incredibly exciting Yan Diomande, who’s averaging 1.48 fouls won P/90 at the World Cup. If in midfield, keep an eye on the likes of Christ Inao Oulai and Ibrahim Sangare, who draw 2.94 and 1.50 fouls P/90 respectively.

Reports are suggesting that Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae is set to drop Ange-Yoan Bonny in favour of an extra body in midfield here. If that is to be the case, then there’s plenty to get excited about. Christ Inao Oulai is an emerging talent that plenty of clubs will be keeping an eye on, and the diminutive midfielder could be the key to combatting this physical Norwegian outfit.

He’s tricky, he’s calm on the ball, and that’s evidenced in the numbers. Oulai has drawn more fouls than any other Ivory Coast player at the World Cup, despite starting just once. He’s averaging 2.94 fouls P/90, having drawn two fouls against each of Ecuador and Curacao. Interestingly enough, those are the two games in which he started on the bench, evidence of the impact he can have with either limited game time, or when legs are tired. He did draw a foul against Germany as well over a full 90 minutes, so the ability to trouble better sides is very much there.

I personally don’t see this Norway midfield being able to keep up with him in tight areas. He has a great burst of pace in central areas that could see the likes of Berge, Berg, and Aursnes having to nip at his heels. That trio commit a combined 5.05 fouls P/90, and even if Aursnes moves out to right back, Oulai will drift into those spaces to support Diomande.