News Focus
- Erling Haaland marks World Cup debut with two goals in 4-1 victory
- Norway top Group I after defeating Iraq at Boston Stadium
- Manchester City forward reaches 52 goals in 56 international appearances
- Leo Ostigard and an own goal complete the scoring for Stale Solbakken’s side
Erling Haaland announced his arrival on football’s biggest stage with a brace as Norway began their World Cup campaign with a convincing win over Iraq in Boston. The Manchester City centre-forward needed just 28 minutes to open his account at the tournament, tapping home a low cross from Wolves defender David Moller Wolfe.
Iraq fought back strongly. Aymen Hussein, who had faced questioning from US authorities upon his arrival earlier this month, powered home a header to level the score. The strike was only Iraq’s second-ever goal at a World Cup finals and their first in four decades.
Haaland restored Norway’s advantage before half-time. He pressed high up the pitch and robbed defender Zaid Tahseen of possession following a weak back-pass, then calmly rolled the ball into an empty net. This marked his 52nd goal in 56 appearances for his national side.
The second period lacked the energy of the first until substitute Leo Ostigard rose unchallenged to meet Martin Odegaard’s corner and head home Norway’s third. Deep into added time, Haaland forced Hussein to turn the ball into his own net at the far post while attempting to clear a header.
The 25-year-old touched the ball only 20 times during the match, yet his clinical finishing proved decisive. Norway now lead Group I on goal difference following their first appearance at the finals since 1998, level on points with France after their victory over Senegal.