Ivory Coast master the art of the counter attack to beat USA
Ivory Coast continued their good form at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup with a 9-1 victory over USA on Day 3 of the competition following on from their earlier victories over India and host nation Norway.
Despite the scoreline, it was an evenly fought fixture, with Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper proving themselves to be an expert in stopping penalties as their team used quick counter-attacks to real effect.
Some great USA defending halted the first Ivory Coast attack before the American keeper produced a smart save to deny their opponents. Moments later, the African nation got on the scoresheet with a fine finish, before a shot off the bar rebounded for a player to slot home for 2-0. A shot from the left wing soon had Ivory Coast three goals to the good, before their keeper denied USA from the penalty spot with a fine save. In a flash, Ivory Coast were 4-0 up with a quick break before USA found the net for the first time with a right foot shot. The Ivory Coast keeper again saved a penalty as USA sought to reduce the balance, before Ivory Coast broke forward to go 5-1 up.
Into the second half, a great team move saw Ivory Coast score their sixth of the match, before their impressive keeper then produced her third penalty save, diving down to her left to keep the shot out. Another quick Ivory Coast counter manufactured their seventh of the game, before a player then found themselves alone in front of goal to slot home to make it 8-1. Ivory Coast’s ninth and last goal was the pick of the bunch, the Ivory Coast player turning a defender before slotting under the USA keep
Ivory Coach Issiaka Bakayoko said:
“It was a good match and I’m very happy because our team played good football. But the USA also played good football. It is a beautiful tournament. I’m very happy here at the Homeless World Cup.”
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by Anita Milas