Erling Haaland’s debut on the World Cup stage was nothing short of spectacular, as he delivered a match-changing performance. Following Kylian Mbappé’s impressive two-goal show for France against Senegal, Haaland responded with a brace of his own in the first half. The Manchester City forward’s aspirations for the Golden Boot hinge on Norway progressing further in the tournament, making his contributions vital. His dual identity as Braut Haaland for his national team does not diminish his ferocity on the pitch; the 25-year-old is a player who demands attention. Iraq learned this the hard way, allowing him to score twice.
After a 28-year absence from the World Cup, Iraq faced a team that had not participated in the tournament for 40 years. Despite the significant gap in their world rankings, Iraq’s performance showcased their resilience. Norway, however, will need to tighten their defense, exhibiting moments of vulnerability that Mbappé and France will likely exploit in their upcoming clash. Although Martin Ødegaard played a less prominent role than Haaland, he did assist in securing Norway’s third goal before being substituted, likely to preserve him for tougher challenges ahead.
Even in the dying moments of stoppage time, Haaland was not finished. His header from a cross by Kristoffer Ajer forced Aymen Hussein into a panicked mistake, resulting in an own goal that sealed Norway’s victory.
It became clear within just over two minutes what the majority of the crowd had come to witness. Antonio Nusa delivered a brilliant high pass to the advancing Haaland, causing over 60,000 spectators to hold their breath. Although the No. 9 initially struggled to control the ball, the excitement was palpable. Four minutes later, Haaland evaded Zaid Tahseen but was unable to assist Alexander Sørloth for what could have been a simple tap-in. Iraq countered with Ali al-Hamadi, who unfortunately shot over the bar with a promising opportunity.
Norway entered the tournament with mixed opinions surrounding their capabilities. Critics have been divided, debating whether the team is underrated or overrated. The star power of Haaland and Ødegaard is impressive for a nation of less than 6 million, yet the depth of talent is also noteworthy. Nusa’s dynamic play was particularly evident, while Oscar Bobb, a player capable of starting for several international teams, remained on the bench. This generation of Norwegian footballers is being heralded as golden, but with that comes high expectations, especially against a team perceived as less formidable like Iraq. Iraq’s journey to the World Cup, marked by more qualifying matches than any other nation and the logistical challenges posed by regional conflicts, deserves accolades. Still, it would be surprising if they avoid finishing last in Group I.
The record will reflect that Haaland’s first significant moment on this grand stage arrived in the 29th minute. Nusa, who was dazzling Iraq with his skill, set up David Møller Wolfe, whose cross was expertly converted by Haaland from just two yards out. This marked Haaland’s 11th goal in as many competitive matches for Norway, a statistic that would soon improve.
What transpired next was unexpected. Iraq, the underdog, delivered a stunning equalizer, marking a significant moment in their World Cup history. In 1986, Iraq managed just one goal in their campaign, but this time they struck gold. Ali Jassim connected with Amir al-Ammari, who delivered a pinpoint cross that Hussein, against the odds, elevated above several Norwegian defenders to score with a beautiful header past Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. The sheer joy from the Iraqi players illustrated the importance of that goal.
Haaland, known for his scoring prowess, would not be deterred by Iraq’s moment of glory. However, just three minutes later, an unfortunate error from Jalal Hassan allowed Norway to regain their lead. Instead of clearing a back-pass, Hassan hesitated, which Haaland capitalized on. The striker’s shot deflected off the goalkeeper before ricocheting back to him, resulting in his second goal.
At halftime, Iraq could feel aggrieved to be trailing. A magnificent block from Møller Wolfe thwarted Ibrahim Bayesh, and just before the whistle, Akam Hashem’s half-volley sailed slightly over Nyland’s crossbar.
The second half turned out to be largely uneventful. Hussein Ali failed to convert a back-post volley, and although Haaland remained active, Iraq could take comfort in the fact that he was unable to create chances until the hydration break.
A crucial goal came from a substitute, Leo Østigård, who met Ødegaard’s corner with a powerful header, leaving Iraq questioning the physicality in the box.
Hassan later denied Haaland, preventing the striker from achieving a hat-trick and surpassing Mbappé’s tally, at least for now. However, Haaland’s World Cup journey has officially begun.
