Haaland fires brace as Norway dominate Iraq at World Cup

Erling Haaland marked his World Cup finals debut with two goals to guide Norway to a resounding 4-1 victory over a spirited Iraq side at Boston Stadium. The 25-year-old Manchester City forward elevated his remarkable international record to 57 goals in 51 appearances, helping his nation celebrate their return to the tournament after a 28-year absence. Iraq, making their first World Cup appearance in 40 years, put up a fierce fight during the opening stages before David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross that Haaland slid home at the far post.

The Asian nation found a deserved equaliser in the 39th minute when Aymen Hussein connected with Amir Al-Ammari’s cross to score a powerful downward header. Parity lasted only four minutes before Haaland pressured veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan inside the six-yard box, causing a clearance to rebound directly into the net. Iraq created several opportunities to draw level before the break, with Ibrahim Bayesh seeing a volley deflected wide and Akam Hashim lashing a spectacular 20-yard effort inches over the crossbar.

The second half featured a historic moment when Manchester-born substitute Zidan Iqbal came onto the pitch, becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men's World Cup. Norway substitute Leo Ostigard provided breathing room in the 76th minute by heading home a corner delivered by Martin Odegaard. Misfortune struck Iraq deep in stoppage time when a looping header from Haaland deflected off Hussein into his own net, sealing a historic first European victory over Asian Football Confederation opposition at the tournament.

-BBC