No one could have anticipated anything but a standout performance from Erling Haaland on football’s grandest stage. Following Kylian Mbappé’s two-goal display in France’s victory over Senegal, Haaland answered back with a brace of his own in the first half. The Manchester City forward’s aspirations for the Golden Boot hinge on Norway’s progress in the tournament, a journey that heavily relies on his contributions. Despite the name change on his jersey to Braut Haaland when representing his country, his effectiveness remains unchanged. The 25-year-old is certainly a player who commands attention, and Iraq learned that the hard way.
This marked Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, facing off against a team that hadn’t participated for four decades. Despite a significant gap in their FIFA rankings, Iraq emerged with commendable effort, proving competitive against their opponents. However, Norway must address their defensive vulnerabilities, especially with France set to face them in the concluding match of the group stage. Nonetheless, this match belonged to Haaland. While Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal star, played a lesser role, he did assist in creating Norway’s third goal before being substituted, likely to conserve his energy for tougher challenges ahead.
Even in the dying moments of stoppage time, Haaland was still in action. His header, set up by a cross from Kristoffer Ajer, caused enough panic for Aymen Hussein, leading to an own goal that sealed Norway’s victory.
Within just over two minutes, it became clear what the majority of the crowd had come to witness. Antonio Nusa delivered a magnificent high pass to the advancing Haaland, eliciting gasps from over 60,000 spectators. Although the No. 9 struggled to control the ball initially, the excitement was palpable. Just four minutes later, Haaland left Zaid Tahseen trailing but failed to find Alexander Sørloth for what would have been a straightforward finish. Iraq did attempt to respond, with Ali al-Hamadi firing a decent opportunity over the crossbar.
Norway’s reputation leading into this tournament has sparked debate—are they underestimated or overhyped? Both perspectives have been expressed widely. The star power of Haaland and Ødegaard sets them apart, particularly impressive for a nation with a population under 6 million. However, the team also boasts a considerable depth of talent, exemplified by Nusa’s lively performance. Oscar Bobb, a player capable of joining respectable international squads, was listed among the substitutes. This scenario indeed portrays a golden generation for Norwegian football, bringing both expectation and pressure, especially against a team like Iraq. Iraq’s arduous journey to the World Cup, marked by more qualifying matches than any other nation and difficulties stemming from regional conflict, deserves significant recognition. Nevertheless, it would be surprising if they do not end up at the bottom of Group I.
Record books will reflect that Haaland’s significant moment, surely the first of many on this platform, occurred in the 29th minute. Nusa, who was dazzling Iraq with his skill, set up David Møller Wolfe, allowing Haaland to navigate to the back post and convert Møller Wolfe’s cross from mere yards out. The hour had arrived. Haaland’s statistics are staggering: this goal marked his 11th in as many competitive matches for Norway, and even better was yet to come.
What unfolded next was unexpected. Iraq became the latest underdogs to shake things up at this World Cup. Their equalizer not only showcased quality but also marked a historic moment for the country, which had only managed to score once in their previous World Cup appearance in 1986 against Belgium. This time, Ali Jassim connected with Amir al-Ammari, who produced a cross that Hussein, not the favorite to win it, managed to outjump several Norwegian defenders for a spectacular header past Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. The ensuing celebration captured the significance of the moment perfectly.
Haaland has a remarkable scoring ability without needing assists from opponents. Unfortunately for Iraq, their moment of parity lasted only three minutes, resulting from an inexplicable mistake. Jalal Hassan hesitated instead of clearing a back-pass, and Haaland seized the opportunity, shooting the ball to rebound off the goalkeeper and back to him, restoring Norway’s lead.
At halftime, Iraq could argue they were unfortunate to be trailing. A brilliant block from Møller Wolfe thwarted Ibrahim Bayesh, and just before the break, Akam Hashem’s half-volley sailed just over Nyland’s goal.
The second half quickly faded into obscurity. Hussein Ali failed to keep a back-post volley low enough to threaten Nyland. While Haaland remained active, Iraq could take solace in the fact that the star striker had no clear chances until the hydration break.
Norway found some relief thanks to a substitute. Leo Østigård rose highest to connect with Ødegaard’s corner, although Iraq had valid concerns about the grappling occurring around the scorer.
Hassan thwarted Haaland’s attempt to secure a hat-trick, preventing him from surpassing Mbappé this time. However, Haaland is officially on the score sheet and ready to make his mark.
