Haaland double powers Norway past Iraq in World Cup opener

Norway mark long-awaited comeback with victory, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway celebrated their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium, Sport360NG reports. 

The Manchester City striker continued his remarkable international scoring form, taking his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway. Haaland also came close to becoming only the 55th player to score a World Cup hat-trick, but Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan produced a crucial late save to deny him.

Norway eventually secured a comfortable winning margin, although the final scoreline did not fully reflect the challenge posed by an energetic Iraqi side making its first World Cup appearance in four decades.

Iraq Impress Despite Defeat

Iraq showed little sign of nerves in the early stages and matched their European opponents for much of the opening half.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after the first-half cooling break when David Moller Wolfe surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross into the area. Haaland timed his run perfectly, sliding in at the far post to give Norway the lead.

Iraq responded positively and were rewarded in the 39th minute. Amir Al-Ammari’s delivery into the penalty area found Aymen Hussein, who powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to level the contest. Hussein had already etched his name into Iraqi football history by scoring the decisive goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off that secured his nation’s place at the tournament.

However, the scores remained level for only four minutes. Hassan hesitated while attempting to deal with a back-pass inside his own six-yard box, allowing Haaland to charge down the clearance. The ball ricocheted off the striker and rolled into the net to restore Norway’s advantage.

Despite trailing at the break, Iraq finished the first half strongly. Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley take a deflection and drift wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was denied by determined defending from Kristoffer Ajer, while Akam Hashim narrowly missed with a stunning long-range effort.

Late Goals Seal Norwegian Success

Iraq continued to compete after the interval and also witnessed a landmark moment when substitute Zidan Iqbal became the first men’s World Cup player of Pakistani heritage.

As the game entered its final stages, Norway finally created breathing space. Defender Leo Ostigard, introduced from the bench, rose highest to meet a Martin Odegaard corner and headed home in the 76th minute.

The result was put beyond doubt deep into stoppage time when Haaland’s looping header across goal was inadvertently turned into his own net by Hussein, capping an unfortunate end to an otherwise spirited Iraqi performance.

Historic Win for European Side

Norway’s victory carried additional significance beyond the three points. It marked the first win by a European nation against opposition from the Asian Football Confederation at this World Cup after five attempts.

For Iraq, the search for a maiden World Cup point continues, but their display suggested they are capable of causing problems for opponents as the group stage progresses. Norway, meanwhile, made an encouraging start to their campaign with Haaland once again proving the difference on football’s biggest stage.