Erling Haaland scores two as Norway start World Cup campaign with win over Iraq

By Press Association Sport Staff

Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup goals with a brace as Norway started their campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston.

Norway took the lead after 29 minutes as Sander Berge played David Moller Wolfe in on the left of the penalty area and his low cross was turned in at the back post by Haaland.

Moments later, the Manchester City striker almost turned provider after latching on to Antonio Nusa’s fine pass and feeding Alexander Sorloth, whose shot was well blocked, with Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard firing wide as Norway continued to dominate.

Iraq dealt a sucker-punch on the counter attack after 39 minutes. Ali Jasim played a clever reverse pass to Amir Al-Ammari and from his cross, Aymen Hussein planted a header low into the bottom corner.

Iraq were level for just four minutes as goalkeeper Jalal Hassan failed to deal with a weak back pass and only succeeded in launching his clearance against Haaland, with the ball ricocheting into the net.

Iraq almost drew level in first-half stoppage time as Ali Al Hamadi was played through one-on-one, only to see Kristoffer Ajer’s last-ditch block steer his effort narrowly wide, before Akam Hashim’s volley from the edge of the box flew narrowly over the bar.

After the break, Hussein headed wide and Hussein Ali fired over as Iraq threatened an equaliser, only for Leo Ostigard to rise highest and head in an Odegaard corner after 76 minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

Hassan denied Haaland his hat-trick with a good close-range save, but was powerless to prevent a fourth in stoppage-time as Hussein diverted the ball into his own net.

“My first goal was nice, the second even nicer so it’s fantastic and I’m proud of everyone that we could get off to a good start,” Haaland said.

“We know though that the next games will be even tougher and we will have to play even better.”

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said in quotes broadcast on BBC: “I thought the boys did exceptionally well first half, a couple of mistakes hurt us badly.

“What a great occasion this has been for Iraq. So many fans here and a great atmosphere, so it’s a special night.”