Norway defeats Iraq 4-1 in World Cup opener with Haaland’s double

Norway made a winning start in Group ‘I’ of the FIFA World Cup by defeating Iraq 4-1. Star striker Erling Haaland continued his sensational form by scoring two goals in his World Cup debut.

Haaland gave Norway the lead in the 29th minute. Iraq equalized in the 39th minute with a goal from captain Ayman Hussein, assisted by Amir Al Ammari, which excited the Iraqi supporters.

However, before the end of the first half at Boston Stadium, Haaland scored his second goal in the 43rd minute, restoring Norway’s lead to 2-1. Norway maintained control of the game in the second half.

In the 76th minute, defender Leo Skiri Østigård scored from a Martin Ødegaard pass, extending Norway’s lead to 3-1. An own goal by Iraq’s Hussein in the sixth minute of injury time secured Norway’s 4-1 victory. With this win, Norway marked a successful return to the World Cup after four decades.