Erling Haaland scored his first FIFA World Cup goals as Norway opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday, marking the country’s first appearance at a major tournament in 26 years.
The Manchester City striker gave Norway the lead in the 29th minute in Boston, converting from close range after a dangerous run and cross from David Møller Wolfe. Iraq responded impressively, however, with Aymen Hussein powering home a header to level the scores 10 minutes later.
Haaland restored Norway’s advantage just before half-time, capitalising on a costly defensive error. The brace took his international tally to an astonishing 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
Substitute Leo Østigård effectively sealed the result in the 76th minute, heading home Martin Ødegaard’s corner shortly after coming on. Norway added a fourth deep into stoppage time when Hussein inadvertently turned Haaland’s looping header into his own net.
The victory leaves Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. Ståle Solbakken’s side will face the African champions in New Jersey on June 22.
No nation faced a longer route to the World Cup than Iraq. The Lions of Mesopotamia secured the tournament’s final qualification spot in March after a gruelling 21-match campaign spanning 867 days.
Hussein, who scored the decisive goal in Iraq’s play-off victory over Bolivia, endured a difficult build-up after reportedly being held and questioned for several hours by US immigration officials upon arriving with the squad for Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Norway, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, when current coach Solbakken was part of the side that famously defeated Brazil before reaching the last 16. He also represented Norway at Euro 2000.
Having cruised through qualification — including two emphatic victories over Italy — Norway arrived in North America with high expectations. Led by a talented generation featuring Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, they are aiming to make history on the world stage.
Solbakken predicted before the tournament that Haaland would make a “very big impact” at his first major finals, and the striker wasted little time proving him right.
Antonio Nusa was a constant threat throughout, and it was his incisive play that created Norway’s opener. The winger released the overlapping Møller Wolfe, whose low cross was expertly turned in by Haaland.
Despite conceding, Iraq showed resilience. Amir Al-Ammari delivered a teasing cross from the edge of the area, and Hussein rose superbly to head beyond Ørjan Nyland for a deserved equaliser.
Their hard work was undone, however, by a moment of self-inflicted damage. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated over a softly played backpass, and his attempted clearance ricocheted off Haaland’s shin and into the net.
Iraq continued to threaten after the break. Ibrahim Bayesh was denied by a desperate block, Ali Al-Hamadi dragged an effort wide, and centre-back Akam Hashim came close with a spectacular volley that sailed narrowly over the bar.
Østigård’s header ultimately put the result beyond doubt, while Hassan later denied Haaland a hat-trick after another defensive lapse sent the Norwegian striker clean through on goal.
Haaland still played a decisive role in Norway’s fourth goal, his looping header back across the six-yard box deflecting off Hussein before crossing the line.
For Norway, it was the ideal start to a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage. For Haaland, it was a statement performance that underlined why so much is expected of him at his first major international tournament.
AFP
