Haaland scores twice as Norway defeats Iraq to win the match.

Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup goals as Norway defeated Iraq 4‑1 on Tuesday, marking the team’s first appearance in a major tournament in 26 years.

The Manchester City striker opened the scoring from close range in the 29th minute in Boston, but Iraq’s Aymen Hussein equalised with a header shortly after.

Haaland capitalised on a defensive error to restore Norway’s lead before half‑time, bringing his international tally to 57 goals in 51 matches.

Leo Østigård added a third from the penalty spot after coming off the bench, sealing the win. A fourth goal arrived deep into stoppage time when Hussein inadvertently scored an own goal.

The result puts Norway at the top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points after France beat Senegal 3‑1 earlier that day. Norway will face the African side in their next match in New Jersey on June 22.

Iraq endured a lengthy and arduous qualification campaign, becoming the final, 48th, team to qualify in March after a 21‑match run that spanned 867 days. The team’s journey included a decisive play‑off win over Bolivia, after which Hussein was detained and questioned by U.S. immigration officials upon arrival with the squad.

Norway last competed in the World Cup in 1998, when coach Ståle Solbakken was part of the squad that famously beat Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the last 16. Solbakken also played at Euro 2000.

Having topped their qualifying group and twice defeating Italy, the Norwegians hope their emerging generation—led by Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard—will make a significant impact in North America.

Solbakken had predicted that Haaland would have a “very big impact” at his first major finals, and the City striker delivered immediately.

Iraq’s Antonio Nusa created space for Haaland with a trickery move, delivering an incisive pass that allowed David Møller Wolfe to overlap before Haaland steered a low cross from the left into the net.

Despite losing all their group games in their sole previous World Cup appearance, Iraq did not let the result deter them and equalised ten minutes later. Amir Al‑Ammari found space inside the area, clipped a cross, and Hussein rose brilliantly to head past Orjan Nyland.

Iraq’s mistake in conceding Haaland’s second came when goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was slow to react to a softly‑hit backpass; his clearance struck Haaland’s shin and ricocheted into the net.

Iraq added pressure with Ibrahim Bayesh’s effort denied by a desperate block, Ali Al‑Hamadi’s dribble that went wide, and centre‑back Akam Hashim’s spectacular volley just over the bar.

Østigård headed in a goal from Ødegaard’s corner in the 76th minute to seal the points for Norway, while Haaland was thwarted by Hassan when a loose pass sent him clear for a potential hat‑trick.

Haaland still contributed to Norway’s late fourth goal; his looping header back across the goal deflected off Hussein before finding the net.

Vanguard News

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