Iraq 1-4 Norway: Hussein 39; Haaland 29, 43, Ostigard 76, Hussein 90+5 o.g.
Of course Erling Haaland would score on his World Cup debut, and of course he would score not once but twice as Norway opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Iraq to move level with France at the top of Group I.
There was some talk ahead of this game as to who could have the edge for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are all likely to be in contention. After Mbappe struck twice for France against Senegal, Haaland quickly ensured he would remain part of that conversation, delivering two first-half goals as Norway made their mark.
It was ultimately a comfortable margin but the result could flatter to deceive. Iraq were far more competitive than the scoreline might suggest. Appearing at their first World Cup in four decades, they troubled Norway throughout with some incisive play and created enough chances to suggest they may prove resilient opponents in Group I.
The first signs of Haaland’s threat arrived almost immediately the game started. Antonio Nusa released the striker with an ambitious pass over the top inside three minutes, although Haaland’s touch let him down. Minutes later he burst clear again, leaving defenders trailing but was unable to find Alexander Sorloth with the final pass.
Iraq responded positively. Ali al-Hamadi lifted a promising opportunity over the crossbar and Norway’s defence looked uneasy whenever the underdogs attacked with pace.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 29th minute. Nusa, Norway’s most dangerous player during the opening half-hour, slipped a pass into David Moller Wolfe’s path down the left. The wing-back’s low cross travelled beyond the Iraq defence and Haaland arrived unmarked at the far post to slide in from close range.
Norway appeared set to take control but Iraq had other ideas, Ali Jassim working space on the flank and playing in Amir al-Ammari, who then delivered an inviting cross for Aymen Hussein to rise and head beyond Orjan Nyland. His wild celebration showed just what a World Cup goal meant for him and Iraq.
The equaliser exposed Norway’s weaknesses in an open game but Iraq’s joy lasted only a few minutes. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated disastrously when dealing with an admittedly short back pass, allowing Haaland to close him down. The striker’s effort ricocheted off Hassan and then rebounded kindly on him and into the net.
Iraq were unfortunate not to reach the interval level. Moller Wolfe produced a crucial block to deny Ibrahim Bayesh and Akam Hashem sent a dipping volley narrowly over the bar in first-half stoppage time.
In the second half Iraq continued to compete and Hussein Ali volleyed over from a promising position, but clear opportunities became scarce. Norway, meanwhile, struggled to create for long periods despite enjoying greater control of possession.
Their breathing space finally arrived from a set piece. Martin Odegaard’s corner was met by substitute Leo Ostigård, who climbed highest to head home Norway’s third goal despite furious protests from Iraq over the physical battle inside the penalty area.
Haaland then went in search of a hat-trick, only to be denied by Hassan, who atoned partially for his earlier error with a sharp save. Then deep into stoppage time, Kristoffer Ajer’s cross caused panic in the Iraq area and, under pressure from Kristian Thorstvedt, first-half goalscorer Hussein diverted the ball into his own net.
