Norway opened their major tournament campaign with a strong 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday. Erling Haaland scored twice as his side secured three points in Boston.
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Early Lead and Equaliser
Norway took the lead in the 29th minute when Haaland finished from close range. Iraq responded quickly as Aymen Hussein equalised with a powerful header.
However, Norway regained control before half-time. Haaland punished a defensive mistake to restore his team’s advantage and reach 57 international goals in 51 matches.
Second-Half Control
Iraq started the second half with attacking intent. Still, Norway maintained defensive discipline and created better chances.
Leo Østigård extended Norway’s lead in the 76th minute when he headed in from a Martin Ødegaard corner.
Haaland Seals the Result
Later, Haaland came close to a hat-trick but was denied by the Iraqi goalkeeper. Even so, he played a role in Norway’s fourth goal in stoppage time when a deflected header from him resulted in an own goal.
Group Standings Impact
The win placed Norway at the top of Group I on goal difference. They sit level on points with France, who also won their opening match.
Norway will next face Senegal in New Jersey on June 22.
Iraq’s Tournament Return
Iraq returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Despite flashes of quality, defensive errors proved costly against a clinical Norwegian side.
