Erling Haaland heralds arrival of World Cup with aplomb as Norway beat Iraq 4-1

Whatever Kylian Mbappe can do, Erling Haaland will definitely match it. The Norwegian striker made a sensational appearance on the World Cup scene as Norway marked their return to the tournament after 28 years with a 4-1 win over Iraq.

IRAQ VS NORWAY HIGHLIGHTS

Mbappe led France to a 3-1 win over Senegal earlier in the day. Nevertheless, Haaland ensured his team topped Group I. Haaland scored both of his goals in the first half as Iraq provided a strong test for the European side that impressed during the qualifiers.

Haaland was Norway’s hero as they beat Italy and others to secure a historic campaign. The Manchester City striker scored in the 29th and 43rd minutes before Leo Ostigard’s header in the final quarter of the second half ensured the three points remained in their bag. Kristian Thorstvedt scored on the break to ensure the game was sealed late in the break.

Aymein Hussein equalized for Iraq in the 39th minute, but they had to regret expensive mistakes.

HAALAND PUNISHED IRAQ

Iraq found out the hard way that Haaland is a striker you don’t give a chance to. It was a very quiet start to the game for the City striker as he soon found himself isolated.

Iraq applied all the pressure early on as chances for both sides were far and few between. In the 3rd minute, Haaland got his first sniff of a goal, but Norway soon missed it.

Antonio Nusa provided some attacking impetus for the Norwegians, who were still being held at bay by the Iraqi defence. The first chance of the match actually went in Iraq’s favor when Ali Al-Hamadi’s shot flew over the bar. The hydration break came at the right moment for Norway as Nusa reorganized the attack, allowing Wolfe to lay the ball to Haaland who made no mistake.

Despite taking the lead, Norway didn’t look like they were in control as Iraq constantly probed them. This led to them finding an equalizer when Hussein headed the ball into the net. The striker almost missed the tournament due to visa issues but made his presence felt.

Just when things were looking up for Iraq, disaster struck.

Goalkeeper Hasan made a crucial mistake, allowing Haaland to take advantage of a short pass and bury the ball into the net.

Iraq pushed hard for an equaliser, but Norway held on to the lead in the second half.

NORWAY MISSING RIGHT TURN

If he was playing for any other team, Alexander Sorloth would be the first choice striker. But with Haaland around, Sorloth is played on the right.

However, he is someone who is known for his guile or giving width. Julian Ryerson was not covered by the tall forward and was left exposed to attacks from Iraq.

This worried Norway to give the ball to Haaland and the Iraqi continued to be on the front foot. They created a few more half-time chances, but couldn’t capitalize on them.

Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup came on in the 73rd minute and it was as if Norway had received a dose of energy drink. Suddenly there was pace on the right and Bobb’s presence got them around the corner.

Martin Odegaard got the ball into the box and Ostigard rose above everyone to hit the ball into the net to make it 3-1. Iraq continued to press but Norway remained resolute in defence.

Another fierce attack on the break allowed Thorstvedt to take advantage of the confusion in the cabin to make it 4-1. While a win will feel great for Norway, there is much more work to be done if they are to progress further in the tournament.

The defense looked shaky and vulnerable to attacks from the right. They will also have to decide on Sorloth’s role as the wing role doesn’t fit.

Norway face Senegal on June 23, four days before they face France.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Published on:

17 Jun 2026 05:51 IST