Ivory Coast Dream Bigger As Fae Eyes Historic World Cup Quarter-Final Berth Against Norway

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has declared that his side are determined to extend their historic FIFA World Cup campaign as the Elephants prepare to face Norway in the Round of 32 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.

The West Africans have already rewritten the record books by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing runners-up to Germany in Group E, but Fae insists his players have no intention of stopping there.

Ivory Coast opened their campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador, with Amad Diallo scoring a stoppage-time winner before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany despite Franck Kessié giving them the lead. The Elephants responded superbly by defeating Curaçao 2-0, thanks to a clinical brace from Nicolas Pépé, to finish level on six points with the Germans and secure qualification.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Norway, Fae admitted reaching the knockout rounds was a proud achievement but stressed that his players are now focused on making even more history.

“Pride is the first word that comes to mind. We knew we could do it, and we also knew it was going to be difficult. We did it,” Fae said.

“We’re happy and proud, but we’re looking even further ahead. We’re going to rest well for our next match. Ivory Coast deserves this and our supporters can keep cheering us on so we can go as far as possible.”

Pépé enters the contest in outstanding form after earning the Man of the Match award against Curaçao. The experienced winger became only the second Ivorian to score twice in a World Cup match, matching Aruna Dindane’s feat in 2006, while also registering his country’s fastest-ever World Cup goal.

Norway, meanwhile, will rely heavily on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored four goals in the tournament. Rested during the 4-1 defeat to France, the Manchester City forward arrives fresh and remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot, with his remarkable international tally standing at 59 goals in just 52 appearances.