Norway

Late goals defined the World Cup round-of-32, showcasing thrilling finishes and strategic mastery.

Argentina have scored 16 goals from 8 different players but needed extra time in two of three knockout matches. England have 13 goals from just three scorers — Bellingham and Kane account for 12 — but won their quarter-final with a 93rd-minute Bellingham strike. One team has depth. The other has destiny. The data reveals a semi-final shaped by mirror formations, contrasting vulnerabilities, and two very different paths to survival.

Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil hinges on set-piece prowess, with Erling Haaland's decisive 79th-minute goal turning the tide. Despite Brazil's 66% possession, Norway capitalizes on their set-piece opportunities, underscoring the match's defining theme. Haaland's heroics highlight Norway's strategic efficiency in exploiting Brazil's defensive vulnerabilities.

Norway executes a classic smash-and-grab victory over Côte d'Ivoire, winning 2-1 despite being outshot 14-9. The turning point comes at the 39th minute when Antonio Nusa scores, giving Norway a lead against the run of play. Nusa's decisive goal shifts momentum, allowing Norway to capitalize on limited opportunities.

Norway executes a classic smash and grab, defeating Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 despite being outshot 14-9. The turning point arrives in the 39th minute when Antonio Nusa scores, giving Norway a lead against the run of play. Nusa's decisive goal shifts momentum, allowing Norway to withstand Côte d'Ivoire's territorial dominance.

France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.

France are unbeaten with six wins. Spain are unbeaten with five wins and a draw. Identical shot volumes. Opposite scoring rhythms. France's shot production has increased through the knockout rounds while their finishing efficiency has declined. Spain, meanwhile, have directed a much larger share of their attempts on target. Sportami computes the patterns traditional previews rarely uncover.

Norway secures a decisive 4-1 victory over Iraq, with Erling Haaland's goal in the 29th minute marking the turning point. Norway's dominance is evident in their 5-1 advantage in shots on target, allowing them to control the match comfortably and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

In a competitive encounter, England secures a tight 2-1 victory over Norway. Despite Andreas Schjelderup's 36th-minute goal giving Norway the lead, England's resilience, spearheaded by Jude Bellingham, turns the tide. The match's DNA is defined by England's superior accuracy, with an 8-4 advantage in shots on target, ultimately proving decisive.