“The best moment of my life” – now Nusa’s idol awaits

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·2 Juli 2026

“The best moment of my life” – now Nusa’s idol awaits

Overcome with emotion after Norway's 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, Antonio Nusa lay alone on the pitch at first, taking a moment to process everything that had just happened. Then he got to his knees, spread his arms wide and looked up to the sky.

His first World Cup goal had also been for his late grandmother – one of the most important people in his life.

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And what a first World Cup goal it was: stunning, historic and hugely important. “A childhood dream has come true,” our winger later told reporters in the mixed zone at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

By then, the tears had given way to a smile – and Toni had the Player of the Match trophy with him.

A night for the Norwegian history books

Speaking to FIFA, Toni said: “This is the best day of my life. It’s incredible. I’m so grateful to be here.”

A look back through the history books shows just how special the night was for Norway. Before this, their last goal in a World Cup knockout match had come in 1938 – 88 years ago. And after their round-of-16 exit to Italy in 1998, the meeting with Ivory Coast was only the third knockout game in the long history of the Norwegian national team.

After a first ever win in the knockout rounds, Norway are more than entitled to dream. Even if record world champions Brazil now await the Scandinavians in New Jersey on Sunday night.

Neymar awaits as Nusa eyes another upset

“We’re here for a reason,” the 21-year-old told kicker after his impressive performance. Following a strong group stage and that historic win over Ivory Coast, Norway’s belief is high: “We’ve won and we’re good. Anything can happen – it’s just one game. It’s definitely going to be a good match. May the best team win.”

For Toni, the last-16 tie at MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final on 19th July, will also be special on a personal level. It brings him back together with his greatest role model, Neymar. “He’s my favourite player, my big idol. When I was a little boy, I watched loads of his games and tried to copy his tricks and his shooting technique.”

Clearly, it paid off. Toni’s perfectly placed curler against Ivory Coast would not have looked out of place from Neymar himself. The 34-year-old, who has been repeatedly held back by injuries in recent years, has so far made one brief appearance for the Seleção at this World Cup.

Toni and his idol have met once before. During the Red Bulls’ tour of Brazil in summer 2025, RBL played a friendly against Neymar's club, FC Santos. After the game, the young winger and the superstar swapped shirts and shared a few words.

“I couldn’t believe it when it happened,” Toni told us when looking back on that special meeting. “It was the first time I’d met someone I really look up to. That was a crazy moment.”

And Toni’s World Cup journey with Norway is still going. “We’re making history right now. After so many years without playing at a World Cup, our fans can just enjoy it,” said the 21-year-old. The team and supporters have been celebrating their wins together with Norway’s now-iconic rowing celebration.