Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
The Manchester City forward was at the heart of Norway’s attack, helping his country secure their first World Cup win in 28 years and move to the top of Group I on goal difference ahead of France.
After a cagey opening, Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing from close range after David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross into the box. The goal was his first at the World Cup and his 51st for Norway in just 56 appearances.
Iraq responded impressively and drew level 10 minutes later through Aymen Hussein, whose powerful header became Iraq’s first World Cup goal in four decades and only the second in the country’s history at the tournament.
However, Norway regained the lead before the break after Zaid Tahseen’s misplaced back pass gifted Haaland a clear run on goal, allowing the striker to calmly score his second of the night.
The Norwegians dominated the second half and wrapped up the contest in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed home Martin Odegaard’s corner.
Norway added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time as Hussein inadvertently diverted Haaland’s header into his own net.
The emphatic win gives Norway a dream start to their first World Cup campaign since France 1998, while Haaland strengthened his status as one of the favourites to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
Norway now lead Group I following France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Iraq will look to bounce back in their next match.
