In his FIFA World Cup (WC) debut, Erling Haaland scored two goals as Norway defeated a resilient Iraqi team 4-1 in Group I at Gillette Stadium to claim their biggest-ever victory at the finals.
Haaland opened his WC account and put his team ahead in the 28th minute of an exciting first half on a clear Boston evening thanks to a fluid Norwegian move. David Moller Wolfe’s accurate low cross to the back post left the Manchester City striker with a straightforward tap-in.
But ten minutes later, they were level, so any fears of an Iraqi collapse were unfounded. Aymen Hussein’s header into the bottom corner was made possible by Amir Al-Ammari, a Cracovia midfielder who reached the byline on the left flank and stood the ball up at the back post.
Iraq would fall behind at HT due to a self-inflicted injury that allowed Norway to regain the lead, despite the celebration of the equalizer. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan faltered and let Haaland charge down his clearance, turning Zaid Tahseen’s innocuous backpass into a catastrophic situation.
Iraq responded admirably to the loss, coming within three shots in the closing five minutes of the first half. Before Akam Hashim’s left-footed volley barely missed the bar on the stroke of HT, Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh were stopped by superb last-ditch Norwegian defending.
Following a turbulent first half, the second half began calmly. Neither team had a shot on goal until the 76th minute, when replacement Leo Ostigard sealed the victory.
On Norway’s return to World Cup action after a 28-year break, the Genoa defender rose highest to meet Martin Odegaard’s corner and flicked his header home from close range to secure the victory.
Aymen Hussein’s late own goal, which deflected off the striker as he jostled on the goal line with Kristian Thorstvedt, brought a depressing conclusion to a spirited display. Meanwhile, Iraq’s wait for their first World Cup victory continues.
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