Haaland brace powers Norway past Iraq in World Cup return

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with a brilliant two-goal performance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium, securing a winning return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence.

The prolific striker continued his remarkable international scoring form, taking his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway, although he was denied a hat-trick by a superb late save from Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.

Norway faced a determined Iraqi side making its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, and the Asians matched their European opponents for much of an entertaining first half.

After a competitive opening period, Norway broke the deadlock just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break. Defender David Moller Wolfe surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross that Haaland slid home at the far post to give Norway the lead.

Iraq responded impressively and deservedly drew level in the 39th minute. Amir Al-Ammari's delivery into the box was met by a powerful header from Aymen Hussein, who guided the ball inside the post to score Iraq's first goal of the tournament.

The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Norway regained the lead four minutes later through Haaland. Hassan hesitated while dealing with a back-pass inside his six-yard box, allowing the Norwegian striker to charge down his clearance, with the ball ricocheting into the net.

Despite trailing, Iraq ended the first half strongly. Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was denied by resolute defending from Kristoffer Ajer, while Akam Hashim came close with a stunning 20-yard effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

The second half also provided a historic moment for Iraq when substitute Zidan Iqbal became the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men's World Cup match.

Norway eventually tightened their grip on the contest in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard rose highest to head home a Martin Odegaard corner and make it 3-1.

Deep into stoppage time, Haaland nearly completed his hat-trick with a looping header across goal, but the ball was inadvertently turned into his own net by Iraq's Hussein, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Scandinavians.

The result handed Norway their first World Cup win since returning to the tournament after nearly three decades away and marked the first victory by a European side over Asian opposition at this edition of the competition.

For Iraq, the wait for a first-ever World Cup point continues, despite an encouraging display that showcased their determination and attacking potential on their long-awaited return to the global stage.

 

Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway overcame a spirited Iraq in their opening Group I game at Boston Stadium.

The 25-year-old took his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for his country as they made their World Cup return after 28 years, though he was denied the 55th hat-trick in tournament history by Jalal Hassan's fine block late on.

Making their first appearance on the biggest stage in 40 years, Iraq more than held their own in the opening stages but the deadlock was broken just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break when the overlapping David Moller Wolfe swung in an inviting low cross from the left which Haaland slid home at the far post.

Iraq deservedly levelled on 39 minutes as Amir Al-Ammari's cross which was met by a powerful downward header inside the upright by Aymen Hussein, who sealed his country's place at the World Cup with the winner in the intercontinental play-off final against Bolivia in March.

Parity lasted just four minutes as Haaland charged down a clearance from Jalal Hassan as the veteran keeper dawdled over a back-pass in his own six-yard box and the ball rebounded into the net.

But Iraq finished the half on top as Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was crowded out by Kristoffer Ajer in the box and Akam Hashim lashed a spectacular 20-yard volley inches over the bar.

After the interval, Manchester-born Zidan Iqbal, as an Iraq substitute, became the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men's World Cup.

Norway substitute Leo Ostigard headed home a Martin Odegaard corner on 76 minutes to give Norway daylight and Haaland's looping header across goal was deflected into his own net by Hussein deep in stoppage time.

At the fifth attempt, it was the first win by a European side against Asian Football Confederation opposition at this tournament. 

Iraq's defeat means their wait for a first-ever World Cup point goes on.