Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener in Boston on Tuesday. It marked Norway's return to the tournament after a 28-year hiatus.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a close-range finish. Aymen Hussein equalized with a header for Iraq. Just before halftime, Haaland capitalized on a defensive mistake to make it 2-1. That goal brought his international tally to 57 in 51 appearances.
In the second half, substitute Leo Ostigard headed home the third goal for Norway to seal the win. In stoppage time, an own goal by Hussein made it 4-1.
The victory puts Norway top of Group I with three points, level on goal difference with France, who earlier beat Senegal 3-1. Norway will face Senegal next on June 22 in New Jersey.
Iraq, who endured a grueling 867-day qualifying campaign spanning 21 matches to claim the final World Cup berth, returned to the tournament after 38 years. Hussein, who scored the decisive goal in the playoff win over Bolivia, was detained and questioned by U.S. customs for several hours upon entering the country with the team.
Norway last appeared at the World Cup in 1998, when current coach Stale Solbakken was a player. He was part of the side that famously beat Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the round of 16. With a golden generation led by Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, Norway hopes to cause more surprises in North America.
Solbakken had predicted Haaland would have a “massive impact” at his first World Cup, and the Manchester City star wasted no time proving him right. Antonio Nusa repeatedly troubled Iraq's defense before setting up David Moller Wolfe's cross for Haaland's opener.
Iraq responded quickly. Amir Alammari's cross found Hussein, who rose to head past Orjan Nyland. But Iraq undid their good work when goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated on a backpass, allowing the ball to bounce off Haaland's shin and into the net for Norway's second.
Iraq came close to levelling again as Ibrahim Bayesh saw a shot saved, Ali Alhamadi fired wide, and Akam Hashim's volley went just past the post. Ostigard finished Iraq off, meeting Odegaard's corner with a header in the 76th minute. Haaland nearly completed a hat-trick but was denied by Hassan, though he had a hand in the fourth goal — his header deflecting off Hussein and into the net.
