World Cup: Haaland shines as Norway ease past Iraq

Erling Haaland needed less than half an hour of his World Cup debut to do what he always does: score, settle, dominate. His two first‑half goals set Norway on their way to a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston, a result that puts Ståle Solbakken’s side top of Group I on goal difference.

The Manchester City striker barely had a kick early on, his only sight of goal a towering header that sailed over. But once David Møller Wolfe squared across the six‑yard box on 29 minutes, Haaland arrived on cue to tap home his first World Cup goal. It was his 51st for Norway in just 56 appearances, another absurd number in a career built on them.

Iraq, though, refused to wilt. Aymen Hussein, who endured a difficult arrival in the US earlier this month after being held and questioned for hours, powered in a brilliant header ten minutes later. It was Iraq’s second-ever World Cup goal and their first in four decades.

World Cup: Norway restore control before the break

The equaliser didn’t last long. Just before half-time, Haaland pounced on a weak back-pass from Zaid Tahseen, darting ahead of goalkeeper Jalal Hassan and rolling in his second of the night. Ruthless, instinctive, inevitable.

Norway went into the break with the momentum restored and the sense that more goals were coming, even if the second half never quite matched the first for tempo or jeopardy.

The game drifted for long spells after the restart, the pace dropping to something close to a training session. Iraq carved out half-chances – Hussein twice went close with headers – but Norway always looked the more composed side.

With 14 minutes left, substitute Leo Østigård made sure of the points. He charged unmarked into the box to meet Martin Ødegaard’s corner and thumped a header into the far corner. Simple, direct, decisive.

Norway weren’t done. Deep into stoppage time, Haaland rose for another header at the back post. His effort was drifting goalwards when Hussein, stretching desperately, diverted it over the line for an unfortunate own goal. A harsh end for Iraq’s standout performer, but a fair reflection of Norway’s control.

Haaland’s impact

Haaland finished with just 20 touches, yet shaped the entire match. That’s the paradox of his game, he doesn’t need volume to be devastating. Two goals, involvement in the fourth, constant threat. The World Cup has a new heavyweight, and he looks entirely at home.

At 25, he is already among the favourites for the Golden Boot. With Norway back on the biggest stage for the first time since 1998, he has the platform, and the numbers, to chase down records. Sixteen World Cup goals is the all‑time mark. You wouldn’t rule out a serious tilt.

Meanwhile, Norway’s win puts them top of Group I after France beat Senegal earlier in the day. Solbakken’s side looked sharp, organised and dangerous, with Ødegaard dictating and Haaland finishing. Iraq showed heart and moments of quality, but defensive lapses cost them.

Group I already feels like a battle for second place behind France and Norway. Iraq will need something special to stay alive.

Featured image via the Canary