Haaland double on World Cup debut gives Norway 4-1 win over Iraq

Haaland's dream debut

Erling Haaland made an immediate impact in his first World Cup finals match, scoring twice in the opening 45 minutes. The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute, turning in a low cross from Andreas Wolf at the far post after a well-worked team move. He added his second four minutes before the break, closing down a hesitant Iraqi goalkeeper and deflecting a poor back-pass into the net. The brace takes Haaland to 57 goals in 51 international appearances, extending his record as Norway's all-time leading scorer.

Iraq's spirited reply

Iraq refused to buckle after falling behind and restored parity in the 39th minute. Forward Aymen Hussein met a left-sided cross with a powerful header, beating the Norwegian defence to make it 1-1. The equaliser capped a period of Iraqi pressure, and they nearly levelled again deep into first-half stoppage time, only for a last-ditch block to preserve Norway's lead.

Norway pull clear

Norway regained control in the second half and secured the points with two further goals. Defender Leo Østigård rose highest to head home from a corner in the 76th minute, making it 3-1. A fourth goal arrived deep in stoppage time; Norwegian reports credit Kristian Thorstvedt with the finish, while others called it an own goal by Hussein, leaving the final score at 4-1.

Group I outlook

The result puts Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier the same day. Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, their last appearance was in 1998, was built on a flawless qualifying campaign in which they won all eight matches and averaged 4.6 goals per game.