Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with two goals as Norway secured a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I fixture at Boston Stadium.
Returning to the tournament for the first time in 28 years, Norway faced a determined Iraqi side that impressed during the early stages of the contest. Iraq, playing in their first World Cup in four decades, matched their European opponents for much of the first half and created several promising opportunities.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the scheduled cooling break when David Moller Wolfe delivered a dangerous low ball across the area. Haaland reacted quickest, sliding in at the back post to register Norway’s first World Cup goal in nearly three decades.
Iraq responded positively and deservedly found an equaliser six minutes before the break. A well delivered cross from Amir Al Ammari was met by Aymen Hussein, whose powerful header left the goalkeeper with no chance.
However, Norway regained the advantage almost immediately. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated while dealing with a back pass, allowing Haaland to close him down. The striker’s pressure forced an error, with the ball ricocheting into the net for his second goal of the evening.
Despite trailing, Iraq remained competitive and threatened several times before halftime. After the restart, substitute Zidan Iqbal made history by becoming the first men’s World Cup player of Pakistani heritage.
Norway eventually created breathing space in the 76th minute when Leo Ostigard headed home from a Martin Odegaard corner. Deep into added time, Haaland nearly completed a hat trick, but his looping effort was turned into the net by Hussein for an unfortunate own goal.
The result gives Norway an ideal start to Group I, while Iraq’s search for their first World Cup point continues. Haaland’s latest brace also lifted his remarkable international tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances.
