Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium.
The win, Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, moved Stale Solbakken’s side to the top of Group I on goal difference ahead of France, who defeated Senegal 3-1.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing off a move involving 14 passes after David Moller Wolfe delivered a cross from the left.
Iraq responded 10 minutes later when veteran striker Aymen Hussein became only the second Iraqi player to score at a World Cup, heading home from Amir Al Ammari’s delivery.
Norway regained the lead before half-time after Haaland capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to score his second goal of the match.
Substitute Leo Ostigard extended the advantage in the 76th minute, powering in a header from a corner shortly after entering the pitch.
Norway added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time when Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The result gives Norway three points and a superior goal difference over France, setting up an early battle between the two European sides at the top of Group I.
Haaland’s double earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award, while goalkeeper Orjan Nyland became Norway’s oldest player to appear at a World Cup at 35 years and 279 days.
Iraq, who are making their first World Cup appearance since 1986, sit bottom of the group and will seek a response in their next outing.
FIFA
