Haaland scores twice in World Cup debut as Norway rout Iraq

Haaland Scores Twice on World Cup Debut as Norway Beat Iraq 4-1

Erling Haaland needed just 29 minutes to announce himself on the World Cup stage, scoring twice and adding an assist as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday evening in their Group I opener.espn

A Long Wait Ends in Style

The match marked Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, and Haaland — one of the sport’s most prolific strikers for Manchester City — wasted no time filling a gap in a trophy-laden career. Speaking to ESPN ahead of the tournament, the 25-year-old said the absence of a World Cup had felt like something “missing” throughout his career.espn

His opening goal came immediately after a hydration break when he converted a low cross from David Møller Wolfe. Iraq equalized through an Aymen Hussein header, but Haaland restored the lead before halftime by pouncing on a mistake from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who attempted to play out from the back only to watch the Norwegian tap into an empty net. Leo Østigård headed in a third from a Martin Ødegaard corner in the 76th minute, and Hussein turned the ball into his own net in added time to complete the 4-1 scoreline.foxsports

Haaland’s brace equalled Norway’s all-time World Cup scoring record, previously held by Kjetil Rekdal.espn

Iraq’s Historic Return Falls Short

Iraq, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years after winning an intercontinental playoff against Bolivia in March, found themselves outmatched despite moments of quality. Coach Graham Arnold had spoken before the match about his team having “everything to gain” and urged them to try to “shock the world”.reuters

Norway now join France — who beat Senegal 3-1 earlier Tuesday — at the top of Group I. Norway next face Senegal on June 22 in New Jersey before a group-stage finale against France back in Foxborough on June 26.yahoo