Erling Haaland Scores First World Cup Goals as Norway Defeat Iraq 4-1
Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style by scoring his first-ever goals in the tournament as Norway secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I match on Tuesday.
The win was particularly significant for Norway, who are appearing at a major international tournament for the first time in 26 years.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute in Boston, finishing from close range after a well-worked move involving Antonio Nusa and David Møller Wolfe. However, Iraq responded strongly just ten minutes later when captain Aymen Hussein powered home a header to level the score at 1-1.
Norway regained the lead before halftime after an unfortunate defensive mistake by Iraq. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was slow to clear a backpass, and the ball ricocheted off Haaland’s leg and into the net, giving the striker his second goal of the match and his 57th international goal in just 51 appearances.
Despite trailing, Iraq continued to create chances and showed determination throughout the contest. Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Akam Hashim all came close to scoring, but Norway’s defense held firm.
The match was effectively decided in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Østigård headed in a corner from Martin Ødegaard, extending Norway’s lead to 3-1.
Haaland nearly completed his hat-trick late in the game but was denied by Hassan. Nevertheless, he played a role in Norway’s fourth goal deep into stoppage time when his looping header deflected off Aymen Hussein and crossed the line for an own goal.
The victory places Norway at the top of Group I on goal difference, level on points with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day.
Norway’s next challenge will be a highly anticipated clash against France, while Iraq will look to keep their qualification hopes alive in their upcoming match.
For Haaland, the performance was a dream start to his World Cup journey and a reminder of why he is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in world football today. His two goals and overall influence helped Norway begin their campaign with confidence and ambition.
