Haaland nets twice on World Cup debut as Norway hammer Iraq 4-1 in Boston

Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with a brace as Norway swept past Iraq 4-1 in Boston, topping Group I on the tournament’s opening matchday.

Norway, absent from the World Cup for 28 years, took the lead after 29 minutes when 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. The Manchester City striker almost turned provider moments later, feeding Alexander Sorloth, whose shot was well blocked, with Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard firing wide as Norway continued to dominate.

Iraq struck back on the counter after 39 minutes. Ali Jasim’s clever reverse pass released Amir Al-Ammari, and from his cross, Aymen Hussein planted a header low into the bottom corner — a brilliant moment for the striker, who had endured almost seven hours of questioning by US authorities on his arrival at O’Hare airport the previous week.

The equaliser lasted just four minutes. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan failed to deal with a weak back pass and his attempted clearance cannoned off Haaland and into the net, restoring Norway’s lead in fortunate but decisive fashion.

Iraq threatened again in first-half stoppage time, with Ali Al Hamadi played through one-on-one only for Kristoffer Ajer’s last-ditch block to steer the effort wide, before Akam Hashim’s volley from the edge of the box flew narrowly over.

After the break, Iraq continued to press — Hussein headed wide and Hussein Ali fired over — but it was Norway who settled the contest. Leo Ostigard rose to head in an Odegaard corner on 76 minutes, and although Hassan denied Haaland a hat-trick with a close-range save, a fourth arrived in stoppage time. Haaland headed across goal for Kristian Thorstvedt, who bundled it home, though the goal was ultimately credited as a Hussein own goal as the defender failed to keep it out.

The result leaves Norway top of Group I, reinforcing their status as dark horses in a section that also includes 2022 runners-up France and Senegal. France opened their campaign with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.