Haaland brace rocks Iraq 4–1, Bergen seismographs register the celebration

Haaland brace buries Iraq 4–1, seismographs in Bergen go off

Your team waited 28 years for this. Norway 4–1 Iraq in the Group I opener, Erling Haaland with two goals, and the celebrations in Bergen literally registered on seismographs (1). Norsar, the Norwegian seismic monitoring agency, confirmed the spikes: "When many people react simultaneously to great sporting moments, the combined movements can generate ground vibrations that are picked up by sensitive seismometers," they said in a statement (1).

Leo Skiri Ostigard scored the opener. Haaland made it two, then three. Iraq pulled one back through Ayman Hussein before Haaland killed it with his second. First World Cup appearance, first World Cup goals, the weight of a nation, and he carried it like it was nothing.

The win puts Norway top of Group I, and suddenly everything feels possible. Ståle Solbakken's side looked slick, modern, nothing like the 1998 outfit that last wore this shirt at a World Cup.

Wales could face Norway in Women's World Cup play-offs

The draw for the Women's World Cup qualification play-offs is out, and Norway Women are a potential opponent for Wales in the second round of the Path B bracket (2) (3). It is not a done deal yet, Wales must get through their semi-final first, but the bracket lines up for a meeting later this year.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood on Reddit is one of pleasant shock. Norway are being grouped with USA, Cape Verde, Sweden and Congo as the standout "underdog" teams of the opening round, with fans asking who impressed most so far (1). For a nation that spent 28 years out of the tournament, being in that conversation after one match is exactly where you want to be.

/r/worldcup discussion