Haaland double sends Norway past Iraq in World Cup opener
Norway marked its first World Cup match since 1998 with a 4-1 Group I win over Iraq in Boston, led by two goals from Erling Haaland.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut Tuesday as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in Boston, AFP reported. The result mattered beyond the opening points: Norway was playing at the tournament for the first time in 28 years, and Haaland was appearing at his first major international finals.
According to AFP, the Manchester City forward put Norway ahead in the 29th minute, restored the lead before half-time and lifted his international total to 57 goals in 51 appearances. Leo Ostigard added Norway’s third after coming off the bench, and Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was credited with an own goal deep in stoppage time.
Norway leads Group I on goal difference
AFP reported that Norway finished the day level on three points with France, which beat Senegal 3-1 earlier, but took first place in Group I on goal difference. Norway’s next match is against Senegal in New Jersey on June 22.
The opener marked Norway’s first World Cup match since 1998, when current coach Stale Solbakken was part of the squad that defeated Brazil in the group stage before losing in the last 16, according to AFP. Solbakken also played for Norway at Euro 2000.
AFP said Norway reached this tournament after a strong qualifying campaign that included two wins over Italy. The current side is built around Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, among others, as it tries to go further than previous Norwegian teams at a World Cup.
Haaland delivers early
Solbakken had said Haaland could make a “very big impact” at his first major finals, AFP reported, and the striker took little time to affect the match. Antonio Nusa created problems for Iraq before slipping a pass to David Moller Wolfe, whose low ball from the left was turned in by Haaland.
Iraq equalised 10 minutes later, according to AFP. Amir Alammari crossed from inside the area, and Hussein rose to head the ball past Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Norway’s second goal came from an Iraqi mistake, AFP reported. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan reacted late to a weak back pass, and his attempted clearance hit Haaland’s shin before bouncing into the net.
Iraq still had chances after falling behind again. AFP reported that Ibrahim Bayesh was stopped by a last-ditch block, Ali Alhamadi put a dribbled shot wide, and Akam Hashim volleyed over the bar from distance.
Ostigard made it 3-1 in the 76th minute when he headed in Odegaard’s corner, according to AFP. Haaland later had a chance for a hat-trick after another stray pass sent him through, but Hassan denied him.
AFP said Haaland was involved in the final goal when his looping header across the face of goal deflected off Hussein and crossed the line.
Iraq’s long route to the tournament
Iraq entered the tournament after securing the 48th and final qualifying place in March, AFP reported. Its campaign lasted 21 matches across 867 days.
According to AFP, Hussein scored the decisive goal in Iraq’s play-off win over Bolivia. AFP also reported that Hussein was held and questioned for hours by US immigration officials after arriving with Iraq’s squad before the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.