Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Defeat Iraq in World Cup Clash
Norway recorded their largest ever win at the FIFA World Cup finals, defeating Iraq 4-1 in Group I at the Gillette Stadium. Erling Haaland scored a brace on his World Cup debut, opening his account in the 28th minute with a simple tap-in after David Moller Wolfe's low cross.
Iraq briefly drew level through Aymen Hussein's header, but Norway retook the lead before halftime due to a self-inflicted error. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan dallied on a backpass, allowing Haaland to charge down his clearance.
Iraq pushed for an equaliser, with Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh denied by excellent Norwegian defending, while Akam Hashim hit a volley just over the bar. The second half was calmer, with substitute Leo Ostigard sealing the win with a header from Martin Odegaard's corner in the 76th minute.
A late own goal from Aymen Hussein added to Iraq's disappointment, as they continue to wait for their first World Cup victory. Haaland's impressive debut earned him the Man of the Match award, capping a memorable return to World Cup action for Norway after a 28-year hiatus.
Iraq briefly drew level through Aymen Hussein's header, but Norway retook the lead before halftime due to a self-inflicted error. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan dallied on a backpass, allowing Haaland to charge down his clearance.
Iraq pushed for an equaliser, with Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh denied by excellent Norwegian defending, while Akam Hashim hit a volley just over the bar. The second half was calmer, with substitute Leo Ostigard sealing the win with a header from Martin Odegaard's corner in the 76th minute.
A late own goal from Aymen Hussein added to Iraq's disappointment, as they continue to wait for their first World Cup victory. Haaland's impressive debut earned him the Man of the Match award, capping a memorable return to World Cup action for Norway after a 28-year hiatus.
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