Expectations were high as Erling Haaland took the field for his World Cup debut, and he did not disappoint. Following Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable two-goal performance for France against Senegal, the Manchester City forward matched that feat with a brace of his own in the first half. Norway’s aspirations for a successful tournament hinge significantly on Haaland’s prowess, as he becomes a pivotal player for the team. Although he dons a different name, Braut Haaland, for his national side, his lethal scoring ability remains unchanged. Iraq learned this lesson the hard way, as they found themselves outclassed.
Having waited 28 years for a World Cup appearance, Iraq faced off against a Norway team that had not participated in the tournament for four decades. The significant gap in world rankings between the two teams was not immediately evident, as Iraq performed admirably. However, Norway must enhance their defensive strategies, as they exhibited vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger opponents like Mbappé’s France, who are set to clash with Norway later in the group stage. On this occasion, the spotlight shone brightly on Haaland, although his teammate Martin Ødegaard, while less prominent, did help set up Norway’s third goal before being substituted for future challenges.
Even in stoppage time, Haaland was not finished. He executed a looping header from a cross by Kristoffer Ajer, forcing Aymen Hussein into a mistake that resulted in an own goal, sealing Norway’s victory.
It took just over two minutes to showcase what the majority of the over 60,000 spectators had come to witness. Antonio Nusa delivered an exquisite high pass into the path of the advancing Haaland, drawing gasps from the crowd. Although he mishandled the ball initially, the excitement was palpable. Moments later, Haaland left Zaid Tahseen behind but failed to connect with Alexander Sørloth for what would have been a simple finish. Iraq attempted to respond with Ali al-Hamadi, who squandered a decent opportunity by shooting over the bar.
Norway’s potential has sparked debate leading up to this tournament. Critics have questioned whether they are underrated or overrated. The star power of Haaland and Ødegaard is impressive for a nation with a population of under 6 million, yet there is a depth of talent that cannot be overlooked. Nusa’s energetic performance was notable, and Oscar Bobb, a player capable of joining many strong national teams, was among the substitutes. This generation of Norwegian footballers is viewed as golden, but with that comes high expectations, particularly against a side like Iraq. Iraq’s journey to the World Cup, marked by numerous qualifying matches and challenges from the Middle East conflict, deserves recognition. However, it would be surprising if they did not finish at the bottom of Group I.
Haaland’s first World Cup goal came in the 29th minute, a moment that is sure to be the first of many. After Nusa dazzled the Iraqi defense, he set up David Møller Wolfe, who delivered a cross that Haaland converted from close range. This marked Haaland’s 11th goal in as many recent competitive matches for Norway, and his record was destined to improve.
What transpired next was unexpected. Iraq, the underdogs, crafted a stunning equalizer that marked a significant moment in their World Cup history. Previously, in 1986, Iraq had managed only a single goal in their tournament debut against Belgium. This time, Ali Jassim assisted Amir al-Ammari, who delivered a perfect cross. Aymen Hussein, not initially favored to score, outjumped several Norwegian defenders to head the ball past Ørjan Håskjold Nyland, igniting wild celebrations.
Haaland is known for his scoring ability, but he benefited from a blunder by Iraq. Just three minutes after conceding, Jalal Hassan hesitated instead of clearing a back-pass, allowing Haaland to seize on the confusion. His shot rebounded off Hassan and back to him, restoring Norway’s lead.
Iraq could feel hard done by at halftime as Møller Wolfe made a crucial block to deny Ibrahim Bayesh. In the dying moments of the half, Akam Hashem saw his half-volley narrowly miss the target, going just over Nyland’s crossbar.
The second half descended into a forgettable affair, as Hussein Ali failed to convert a volley that troubled Nyland. While Haaland remained active, he was unable to find opportunities to score in the period leading up to the hydration break.
A substitute provided Norway with a much-needed boost. Leo Østigård rose above the crowd to meet Ødegaard’s corner, with Iraq questioning the physicality surrounding the scoring player.
Hassan thwarted Haaland’s attempt for a hat-trick, denying him a chance to surpass Mbappé’s tally, at least for now. Haaland is officially on the scoreboard.
