Haaland brace sends Norway past Iraq in World Cup opener

Haaland brace launches Norway past Iraq 4–1

Norway's 28-year wait for World Cup goals ended emphatically. Erling Haaland scored twice as your team beat Iraq 4–1 in the Group I opener on June 16 (1) (2) (4). Norway's first World Cup points since 1998.

The scoreline reflected a dominant performance. Haaland's brace puts him among the tournament's early top scorers. The match carried a nice bit of history too, Egil "Drillo" Olsen, Norway's legendary former manager, once coached Iraq.

Haaland: I'm not the best statistically

After the match, Haaland was characteristically direct when asked about being the world's top striker.

"I would say I'm up there, I don't think I scored the most goals this season. So, statistically no, I'm not. Harry Kane and [Kylian] Mbappé scored more goals than me, so I'm not" (1) (2).

No false modesty, no deflection. Just the numbers. Fans will appreciate the honesty from a player who just delivered on the biggest stage.

Senegal up next, but the pitch is a problem

Norway face Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Monday in the second group match (3) (4). The fixture itself is compelling enough. But the pitch is already drawing criticism.

"Jeg synes det er veldig vanskelig," one assessment read, it is very difficult (3). MetLife's surface has become a talking point before the match even kicks off.

Haaland takes in New York after his debut goals

A day after scoring his first World Cup goals, Haaland was spotted touring New York with his girlfriend (4). A well-earned breather before preparations ramp up for Senegal.

Fan-reaktioner

Norway fans have found a uniquely Norwegian way to measure the impact of Haaland's goals: seismic sensors in Bergen registered vibrations as the ball hit the net. The moment was widely shared on Reddit, with supporters marvelling at a goal that literally made the country shake. Read the thread.