Haaland double powers Norway past Iraq in World Cup opener

Haaland brace sinks Iraq 4–1 in Norway's World Cup return

28 years. Ended. Norway 4–1 Iraq in the Group I opener on Tuesday, and Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut (1)(5)(10).

Haaland opened the scoring and added a second after the break. Kristian Thorstvedt and Leo Østigård also got on the scoresheet, Østigård heading home from a Martin Ødegaard assist (2)(6)(7). Iraq's Aymen Hussein scored their first World Cup goal in 40 years, a fine moment, but Norway were never in real trouble (16).

"Fantastic win. I'm very proud of all of us. It's a good start," Haaland said afterwards (11).

Your team sits top of Group I.

Haaland honest about the nerves

"It wasn't easy being a debutant. You get nervous," Haaland admitted. "To win on a not-so-good day is great. Fantastic, and I'm proud of us all" (2).

He also warned that tougher tests lie ahead.

Nusa catches the eye

Antonio Nusa drew attention on the left flank. One City fan on Reddit described him as "a Norwegian Doku" after his lively performance against the Iraqi back line. Julian Ryerson was solid throughout at right-back (6).

Players given time off after the win

Ståle Solbakken has given the squad time off after what the camp described as "a violent discharge" of emotion (4). The group carries enormous weight as the first Norway side at a World Cup since 1998. Letting it settle makes sense.

Wild celebrations back home

Gravane erupted. Footage shows fans filling the streets through the night as Norway won their first World Cup match in 28 years (14). One fan put it plainly: "It's allowed to be tired at work."

Fan-reaktioner

City supporters were buzzing about Haaland's three goal involvements, noting he nearly had a third if not for a sharp save from the Iraqi keeper. Arsenal fans celebrated Ødegaard's assist for Østigård's goal. And in Boston, Norway fans were filmed chanting Viking-style up a T escalator, the World Cup is back, and so is Norway. Haaland 2G, 1A thread