Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with two goals as Norway marked their return to a major tournament after 26 years with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq on Wednesday morning.
The Manchester City striker opened his World Cup account in the 29th minute, turning in a close-range effort to give Norway the lead. Although Aymen Hussein quickly equalised for Iraq, Haaland capitalised on a defensive error before half-time to restore Norway’s advantage, taking his international goal tally to an impressive 57 in just 51 matches.
Substitute Leo Ostigard headed in Norway’s third shortly after coming on, effectively sealing the win. A late own goal from Hussein deep into stoppage time added a fourth for the Norwegians.
The win places Norway at the top of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. Norway’s next fixture is against Senegal in New Jersey on June 22nd.
Iraq, who endured a challenging 21-match, 867-day qualification campaign, faced further hurdles with Hussein being questioned by US immigration officials upon arrival. This marks their first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Norway, last seen at the World Cup in 1998, are hoping their “golden generation” of players, led by Haaland and Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, can make a significant impact. Coach Ståle Solbakken, a member of the 1998 squad, had predicted a “very big impact” from Haaland, a promise the City star was quick to fulfil.
Antonio Nusa’s skill created the opening for Haaland’s first, with the striker converting David Moller Wolfe’s low cross. Iraq responded through Hussein’s powerful header, but a goalkeeping error gifted Haaland his second. Despite further efforts from Iraq, Ostigard’s header from an Ødegaard corner secured the points, with Haaland also playing a role in Norway’s fourth goal.
