Haaland scores brace as Norway crush Iraq 4-1 in World Cup opener

Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style with a brace as Norway secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium.

Making their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades, the Norwegians overcame a spirited Iraqi challenge to claim all three points and move to the top of the group standings.

Norway took the lead in the 29th minute after a well-worked team move. A flowing passing sequence ended with David Møller Wolfe delivering a precise cross from the left, which Haaland converted at the back post for his maiden World Cup goal.

Iraq, appearing at the tournament for the first time in 40 years, responded strongly. In the 39th minute, veteran striker Aymen Hussein rose highest to meet Amir Al-Ammari’s cross and powered a header past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to level the score.

The equalizer, however, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Haaland capitalized on a defensive mix-up between Iraqi defender Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. The Manchester City forward’s relentless pressure forced an error, with Hassan’s attempted clearance ricocheting off Haaland and into the net to restore Norway’s lead before halftime.

Norway tightened its grip on the contest after the break and was rewarded in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Østigård headed home from a corner shortly after entering the match, extending the lead to 3-1.

Iraq’s difficult evening worsened deep into stoppage time. A looping Haaland header created confusion inside the penalty area, leading to an unfortunate own goal by Hussein in the 96th minute that sealed a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Scandinavian side.

The result gives Norway a dream start to its World Cup campaign and strengthens hopes that Ståle Solbakken’s men could emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Haaland’s two-goal performance will also boost confidence among Norwegian supporters eager to see their nation make a lasting impression on its long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.