Haaland hits double as Norway sink Iraq 4-1

By Tosin Omojola

Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway overcame a determined Iraq side in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium.

The 25-year-old striker increased his international tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances, helping Norway secure a winning return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Haaland came close to becoming only the 55th player to score a World Cup hat-trick, but Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan denied him late in the game with a fine save.

Iraq, making their first appearance on football’s biggest stage in 40 years, started brightly and matched Norway for much of the opening half-hour. However, the breakthrough arrived just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break when David Moller Wolfe surged down the left and delivered a low cross that Haaland slid home at the far post.

The Asian side responded impressively and deservedly drew level in the 39th minute. Amir Al-Ammari’s cross found Aymen Hussein, who powered a downward header inside the post to score Iraq’s first World Cup goal since their return to the tournament.

The scores remained level for only four minutes. Hassan hesitated while dealing with a back-pass inside his six-yard box, allowing Haaland to charge down his clearance. The ball ricocheted off the Norwegian forward and into the net to restore Norway’s lead before halftime.

Despite trailing, Iraq ended the first half strongly. Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was denied by Kristoffer Ajer’s defensive intervention, and Akam Hashim came agonisingly close with a stunning 20-yard volley that flew inches over the crossbar.

The second half saw another historic moment as Manchester-born Zidan Iqbal came off the bench to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men’s World Cup. Norway gradually took control, and substitute Leo Ostigard extended their advantage in the 76th minute with a header from Martin Odegaard’s corner.

Haaland continued to threaten and his looping header across goal was turned into the net by Hussein in stoppage time, sealing a 4-1 victory for Norway. The result marked the first win by a European team over Asian Football Confederation opposition at this tournament, while Iraq’s search for a first-ever World Cup point continues.