Martin Odegaard: Norway media rate Arsenal star’s performance after World Cup win vs Ivory Coast

Martin Odegaard has been hailed by the Norwegian media for his role in the 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32 match.

The Arsenal captain started the match and played the full 90 minutes as the Scandinavian nation squeezed past the West African side thanks to a late Erling Haaland goal.

The victory was Norway’s first-ever in a World Cup knockout game, with multiple players stepping up to the occasion to ensure that they progressed into the next round.

Odegaard’s performance was particularly praised by the media after he “controlled” the game for periods at the Dallas Stadium.

The midfielder also picked up an assist for Antonio Nusa’s opener, meaning he has now collected three so far this tournament.

Norway now face an eye-catching tie against Brazil in the round of 16, with Odegaard key to their progression.

Martin Odegaard hailed for display vs Ivory Coast

Odegaard has certainly continued his Arsenal form, which saw the club lift the Premier League title, into the World Cup this summer.

The attacking midfielder has picked up an assist in every match he has played so far, and was once again brilliant against the Ivory Coast.

Both defensively and offensively, he caused issues for the African side, which was quickly picked up by the media.

Reflecting on his performance, Iharstad gave the Arsenal star a seven rating before they wrote: “What a second half when Norway needed him! Came deep into the field before the break, without it being easy to find any teammates in good space offensively. 

“As always, very good defensively where he moves his feet quickly and never gave the Ivorian stars much space. 

“Not very dominant before the break, but still recorded his third assist in as many games in the World Cup. 

“Brilliant break that started a deadly Norwegian counterattack just after the break, and was played up much higher in the field after the break. 

“Brilliant free kick that gave a gigantic chance after an hour of play, and controlled the game for periods in Dallas.”

How good was Odegaard vs Ivory Coast?

According to Fotmob on 30 June, Odegaard had an excellent game on Tuesday.

The midfielder completed 88 per cent of his passes, created one chance, had an xA of 0.23, completed one dribble, two accurate crosses and performed three tackles throughout.

It was a fantastic display, and the Arsenal man no doubt made a big difference to the result with that type of performance.

If Norway are to overcome Brazil on Sunday and reach the quarter-finals in the World Cup for the first time, Odegaard will have to replicate this type of performance against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

However, it remains to be seen how Norway and Odegaard will get on against Brazil, in what is likely to be one of the ties of the next round.