Norway did not impress, but Haaland's class does the talking
Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time this century with a 4-1 win over Iraq in Group I, but it was Erling Haaland's predatory instinct rather than a polished team display that made the difference
World Cup
Norway made their first World Cup appearance of the 21st century a winning one, beating Iraq 4-1 in Group I. The Scandinavians were not as convincing as the scoreline suggests, but Haaland's ruthlessness in front of goal gave them a flying start.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute and struck again just before half-time, punishing a mistake by Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Iraq had briefly levelled through Aimen Hussein before Haaland's second. Substitute Leo Østigård put the result beyond doubt in the 76th minute, and Hussein then turned the ball into his own net in stoppage time to complete the scoring.
Iraq played 21 qualifying matches to earn only their second ever World Cup appearance — their first since 1986, when they lost all three group games. They left without a point today, but for long stretches they were a match for one of the tournament's more fancied sides.
