Haaland Brace Powers Norway to Emphatic Win Over Iraq

Norway announced their return to the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq at Gillette Stadium. Erling Haaland was at the heart of it, scoring twice as the Scandinavians blended power and precision to brush aside the AFC qualifiers.

Haaland sets the tone

Haaland opened the scoring on 29 minutes and the lead was briefly cancelled out when Hussein levelled for Iraq on 39. But the striker restored Norway's advantage almost immediately, netting again on 43 to give his side a deserved half-time cushion in Foxborough.

Norway pull clear

Leander Ostigard added a third on 76 minutes to put the result beyond doubt, the centre-back rising to head home. Iraq's afternoon was summed up in stoppage time when Hussein turned the ball into his own net on 90+6, completing a chastening evening for the underdogs.

The result laid down an early marker for Norway, who joined France on three points and served notice that their Haaland-led attack will be a problem for anyone in the knockout rounds.