Erling Haaland scores 2 goals in World Cup debut to power Norway past Iraq

Norway’s first World Cup game since 1998 went as planned. Erling Haaland scored twice in the first half of his World Cup debut and powered the Norwegians to a 4-1 win over underdog Iraq. With the win, Norway has its first World Cup victory since advancing to the Round of 16 in France in 1998. And one of soccer’s biggest stars made an immediate impact in his first appearance on soccer’s premier stage. Norway controlled the ball early, but failed to get a shot on goal in the game’s opening 15 minutes. But it was only a matter of time for the Norwegians and one of the best goal scorers in the game. Iraq turned the ball over in Norwegian territory in the 29th minute to set up Norway with a transition chance. David Møller Wolfe took a pass near the Iraqi goal and delivered the ball from the left side of the field to find Haaland waiting at the right corner. Haaland then drove ball to the top of the net. Iraqi goaltender Jalal Hassan didn't stand a chance. Iraq equalized moments later with a header from Aymen Hussein to level the game at 1-1. But Haaland answered almost immediately by pouncing on an Iraq mistake. Iraq turned the ball over with a lazy pass to back to goaltender Jalal Hassan. Haaland was there and sprinted to the ball before Hassan could get to it and put it in the net. From there, it was a game of ball control for Norway before a late Leo Østigard header on a corner kick iced the game for Norway. The Norwegians added to the tally with a late Iraq own goal to bump the tally to 4-1. With the win, Norway moves atop the Group I standings after France defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier Tuesday. Both teams have three points, while Norway has the edge in goal differential thanks to the late own goal. Norway will next face Senegal on Monday before a showdown with France to conclude its group stage play on June 26.