ABIDJAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A day after Cote d'Ivoire's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 32, Ivorian media outlets on Wednesday expressed a mix of disappointment, frustration, regret and pride.
On Tuesday evening in Arlington, Texas, United States, Norway opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Cote d'Ivoire equalized in the 74th minute through Amad Diallo. Erling Haaland then scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute to secure Norway's victory.
A BITTER ELIMINATION
"The dream drowned of an entire nation," headlined the daily Le Jour, describing the result as an "unfinished symphony" and highlighting the disappointment among Ivorians after a painful defeat given the performance of the national team.
"The Elephants' dream shattered," also wrote L'Essor, which focused on the numerous missed chances by Ivorian attackers. According to the newspaper, Cote d'Ivoire could have qualified if it had been more clinical in converting its dominance on the pitch.
Sports daily Super Sport noted that "dominating does not mean winning," pointing to Cote d'Ivoire's lack of attacking efficiency compared with Norway's effectiveness, particularly in the decisive move finished by Erling Haaland, who had been relatively quiet during the match.
La Regionale highlighted other factors behind the Elephants' elimination, referring to a "dream shattered by two fatal mistakes."
"Football is sometimes cruel. It rarely rewards the team that plays the better football, but almost always the one that shows realism and concentration at decisive moments," the newspaper said.
The daily also criticized some tactical choices, arguing that substitutions made while Cote d'Ivoire was controlling the match had disrupted the team's balance. According to the newspaper, the departure of several attacking players reduced the Elephants' offensive impact and allowed Norway to regain confidence before eventually winning.
Despite the disappointment, Ivorian media recalled that Cote d'Ivoire reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time, having failed to do so in its previous appearances.
A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN
The elimination came after a campaign marked by a 1-0 victory over Ecuador and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany, results that allowed the team to advance to the round of 32.
"Thank you for these moments," wrote L'Intelligent d'Abidjan, saying the elimination should not overshadow the progress made by the Ivorian team.
Under the headline "Bravo!", the daily Liberte highlighted the youth and potential of the Ivorian players, saying that results could continue to improve through stability, patience and long-term work.
"The Elephants fell with their heads held high," wrote Le Rassemblement, praising the players' efforts, courage, determination and commitment despite the elimination.
Le Nouveau Reveil described the result as a "missed opportunity," while praising players who, according to the newspaper, proudly represented Cote d'Ivoire's national colors.
Overall, Ivorian newspapers called for lessons to be drawn from this World Cup journey and urged the country to build on the experience gained for future sporting challenges. ■
