Norway marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a statement victory, defeating Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener to underline their ambitions of advancing beyond the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium, Boston.
Iraq began the match brightly, pressing forward aggressively and creating early pressure against the Norwegian defence. However, Solbakken’s side remained composed and gradually settled into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when David Møller Wolfe delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Haaland timed his run perfectly and calmly guided the ball into the net to score his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The celebration was short-lived as Iraq found a response ten minutes later. Aymen Hussein rose highest inside the box to power a header beyond Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, scoring his own maiden World Cup goal and bringing Iraq level at 1-1.
Just as Iraq appeared to be gaining momentum, disaster struck before halftime.
In the 41st minute, experienced Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan misjudged a routine situation inside the penalty area, allowing Haaland to pounce and poke home his second goal of the night.
The fortunate strike restored Norway’s lead and handed the Scandinavians a valuable 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
Despite trailing, Iraq continued to push forward after halftime in search of another equaliser. Hussein nearly grabbed his second goal in the 63rd minute, but his powerful header sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
As Iraq committed more players forward, Norway capitalised on their opportunities.
Defender Leo Østigård extended the lead in the 76th minute, powering home a header from a pinpoint Martin Ødegaard corner to make it 3-1.
The result was put beyond doubt late in the match when Kristian Thorstvedt completed a flowing Norwegian move. The midfielder headed home from close range after excellent work by Haaland, capping a dominant individual performance from the striker.
At full-time, Norway celebrated a convincing 4-1 victory that immediately strengthens their hopes of progressing from a difficult Group I.
Following his two-goal performance, Haaland was deservedly named FIFA’s Player of the Match, underlining his importance to Norway’s World Cup ambitions.
The result places Norway in a strong early position ahead of their next challenge against Senegal on 23 June. Iraq, meanwhile, face a daunting test against tournament contenders France on the same day as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Credit Photo : NFF
