Norway’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage could not have started much better, as Erling Haaland announced himself to the tournament with a brace in a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I action at Boston. The Manchester City superstar scored his first-ever World Cup goals, helping Norway take control of the group with an impressive opening-day performance.
Norway dominated possession and territory throughout much of the contest, finally breaking through in the 29th minute. Midfielder Sander Berge released David Møller Wolfe down the left flank, and the wingback delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Haaland arrived at the back post and calmly turned the ball home to give Norway a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Scandinavian side continued to pile on the pressure moments later. Antonio Nusa’s clever pass found Haaland in space, and the striker quickly squared the ball to Alexander Sørloth, whose effort was brilliantly blocked by the Iraqi defense. Captain Martin Ødegaard also came close as Norway threatened to overwhelm their opponents before halftime.
Despite spending much of the opening half under pressure, Iraq struck back with a stunning counterattack in the 39th minute. Ali Jasim threaded a perfectly weighted reverse pass to Amir Al-Ammari, who delivered a precise cross into the box. Veteran striker Aymen Hussein met it with a powerful header that found the bottom corner, silencing the Norwegian supporters and leveling the score at 1-1.
The celebration was short-lived.
Just four minutes later, disaster struck for Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Attempting to clear a weak back pass, Hassan’s clearance ricocheted directly off the pressing Haaland and bounced into the net, restoring Norway’s advantage in bizarre fashion and handing the striker his second goal of the evening.
Iraq nearly found another equalizer before the break. Ali Al Hamadi raced through on goal in first-half stoppage time, but Kristoffer Ajer produced a crucial last-ditch block to steer the effort narrowly wide. Moments later, Akam Hashim’s volley from outside the area sailed just over the crossbar as Iraq finished the half strongly.
The second half saw Iraq continue to search for a way back into the match. Hussein headed wide from a promising position, while Hussein Ali fired over the bar as Norway’s defense was forced to withstand a spell of pressure.
However, Norway finally put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute. Ødegaard delivered a pinpoint corner kick into the heart of the penalty area, where defender Leo Østigård rose highest to power a header past Hassan and make it 3-1.
Haaland came close to completing a memorable World Cup hat-trick late in the match, but Hassan redeemed himself with an excellent close-range save. Norway would still add a fourth goal deep into stoppage time when Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.
The convincing 4-1 victory gives Norway an ideal start to their Group I campaign and showcases the attacking talent that has made them one of Europe’s rising forces. With Haaland off the mark and Ødegaard orchestrating play from midfield, Norway will be full of confidence heading into their next World Cup fixture.
For Iraq, the result was harsh after moments of resilience and determination, but defensive errors proved costly against a Norwegian side that punished nearly every mistake. They will now need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.
Norway’s World Cup journey is underway, and thanks to the brilliance of Haaland, it could be one to remember.
