Erling Haaland delivered a sparkling performance on his FIFA World Cup debut, scoring twice as Norway secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening Group I match on Tuesday.
The prolific striker, making his first appearance at the tournament, underlined his status as one of world football’s most feared forwards by inspiring Norway to a winning start as they returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Haaland, who netted an astonishing 16 goals in eight qualifying matches twice as many as any other player in Europe lived up to expectations on football’s biggest stage.
After a cautious opening period, the 25-year-old opened his World Cup account in the 29th minute. He escaped his markers and stabbed home a low cross from David Moller Wolfe at the far post to put Norway ahead.
“It was not easy to be a debutant, you’re nervous, and to win on a not-so-good day is great,” Haaland told reporters. “To win 4-1 on an average day is absolutely huge for all of us. It’s fantastic and I’m proud of all of us.”
“This is the most difficult thing you can do,” added the forward. “The next games will be much tougher than this. We have to play even better.”
Iraq, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after securing the final qualification spot through a 2-1 intercontinental playoff victory over Bolivia in March, refused to be intimidated.
Having come through 21 qualifying matches to reach the tournament, the Iraqis responded impressively. Ten minutes after Haaland’s opener, Aymen Hussein levelled the scores, rising above three Norwegian defenders to head home an Amir Al Ammari cross and send Iraqi supporters into celebration.
However, their joy proved short-lived.
Haaland restored Norway’s lead after capitalising on a costly error from Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. A weak back pass left the keeper under pressure, and his attempted clearance struck Haaland before rebounding off the striker’s knee into the net.
The goal was Haaland’s 57th in 51 international appearances and capped an efficient first-half display in which he required just 11 touches to score twice.
The Manchester City star appeared refreshed after being rested towards the end of the Premier League season and was instrumental in giving Norway their first-ever halftime lead in a World Cup match.
Despite trailing, Iraq continued to threaten and came close on several occasions during first-half stoppage time as both sides produced an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The tempo slowed after the interval, but Norway eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard glanced home a header.
Iraq’s misery was compounded deep into stoppage time when captain Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sealing a comprehensive Norwegian victory.
“I think three points will get you through to the next phase,” said Iraq coach Graham Arnold. “We got two more games to go. You know, I thought the boys did exceptionally well in the first half, but … a couple of mistakes hurt us badly.
“But what a great occasion this has been for Iraq and so many fans here. So, it’s a special night.”
Norway will next face Senegal, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to France earlier in the day, while Iraq take on France in their second Group I fixture.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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