Amad scores but Haaland's winner ends Ivory Coast's World Cup as United offer support

Amad’s equaliser was not enough to keep Ivory Coast in the World Cup, as Erling Haaland’s winner sealed a Norway victory and ended the Elephants’ tournament. The Manchester United winger, introduced after the hour mark, cancelled out Antonio Nusa’s opener with an impressive finish, only for Haaland to find the net and send Norway through.

Amad was visibly distraught at full time, photographed on the floor with his head in his hands and his shirt pulled over his face. He later posted a broken heart on Instagram, a reaction that underlined the scale of his disappointment after what had been a lively cameo despite his late introduction.

Manchester United acknowledged their player’s efforts with a short message on social media. “Hold your head high, Amad — you did your country proud,” the club posted. “Rest up and we’ll see you soon.”

Speaking after the match, the 23-year-old was candid about how Norway secured the decisive goal. “The second goal was too easy from our point of view,” he said. “We gave Erling Haaland too much space, and when you leave a striker of that calibre unmarked, you pay for it in the end.”

Amad was unsparing in his assessment of the error, and generous in his praise of the player who punished it. “Erling doesn’t need any introduction, everyone knows the kind of player he is. He found the space, he scored, and they won. He’s having a fantastic World Cup so far, and I wish him and Norway all the very best.”

His well-wishes, however, have limits. Norway face Brazil in the last 16, and Amad made clear where his loyalties now lie. “I just want to wish Brazil the best of luck, especially my friend Matheus Cunha,” he said. “I hope he scores and helps Brazil go even further in the tournament.”