Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday, marking a triumphant return to the World Cup stage after a 26-year absence.
Playing in Boston, Norway made a strong statement in their opening Group I fixture, with Haaland delivering his first-ever World Cup goals to help secure all three points.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute, stretching to convert a low cross from David Moller Wolfe after excellent build-up play orchestrated by Antonio Nusa.
However, Iraq responded impressively. Ten minutes later, Amir Al-Ammari delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Aymen Hussein rose highest to power a header beyond goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and restore parity.
Norway regained the advantage before halftime after Iraq gifted Haaland another opportunity.
A softly-hit back pass put goalkeeper Jalal Hassan under pressure, and his attempted clearance struck Haaland’s shin before ricocheting into the net. The goal took Haaland’s international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
Despite falling behind again, Iraq continued to threaten. Ibrahim Bayesh was denied by a last-ditch block, Ali Al-Hamadi dragged an effort wide, and defender Akam Hashim narrowly missed with a spectacular volley.
Norway eventually put the contest beyond doubt in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed home Martin Odegaard’s corner kick shortly after entering the match.
Haaland nearly completed a hat-trick later in the game, but Hassan produced a save after another defensive error sent the striker through on goal.
The Norwegian forward still contributed to the team’s fourth goal deep into stoppage time when his looping header across the box deflected off Aymen Hussein and crossed the line for an own goal.
The victory leaves Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who earlier defeated Senegal 3-1.
Norway will now prepare for a crucial clash against France in New Jersey on June 22.
For Iraq, the defeat comes at the end of a remarkable journey to the tournament. No nation endured a longer qualification route, securing the final available World Cup spot in March after a gruelling 21-match campaign spanning 867 days.
Their preparations were also disrupted after Aymen Hussein, scorer of the decisive play-off winner against Bolivia, was held and questioned for several hours by US immigration officials upon arriving with the squad ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Norway, meanwhile, are seeking to build on the momentum of a talented generation led by Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
The Scandinavians last appeared at the World Cup in 1998, when current coach Stale Solbakken was part of the squad that famously defeated Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the Round of 16.
After an impressive qualifying campaign that included two emphatic victories over Italy, Norway will be hoping this golden generation can achieve unprecedented success on North American soil.
Author
