FIFA WC: Haaland’s two goals give Norway a winning start
Erling Haaland scored twice in his first World Cup appearance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match. With two goals in this match, Haaland has now scored 57 goals in 51 matches for his national team.
He performed brilliantly for Norway, who returned to the World Cup after 28 years. However, his chance to score a hat-trick towards the end of the match was thwarted by Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan with a brilliant save. If he had completed the hat-trick, it would have been the 55th hat-trick in World Cup history.
Iraq, returning to the World Cup after 40 years, had an impressive start to the match. With both teams tied, Norway took the lead 58 seconds after a hydration break in the first half. Haaland converted a beautiful low pass from the left by David Möller-Wolf from near the post. Iraq equalized in the 39th minute, with Ayman Hussein scoring a powerful header from Amir Al-Ammari’s cross.
The same Hussein had scored the winning goal in the intercontinental playoff final against Bolivia in March to book Iraq’s place in the World Cup. But the tie did not last long. \
Four minutes later, Haaland scored his second goal, capitalising on a mistake by Jalal Hassan. Hassan, who was slow to control the ball, returned to his own six-yard box, headed the ball into the net from a clearance by Haaland. However, Iraq increased the pressure again towards the end of the first half.
Ibrahim Bayesh’s volley was deflected, and Ali Al-Hammadi was stopped in the penalty area by Christopher Azer. Akkam Hashim’s brilliant volley from 20 yards also went just over the bar. Aimen Hussain’s attempt to clear Haaland’s header towards the end of injury time ended in an own goal, securing a 4–1 victory for Norway.
It was also the first time a European team had won against an Asian Football Confederation team in its fifth attempt at the tournament.
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