Erling Haaland made his World Cup debut overnight Tuesday to Wednesday and immediately delivered for Norway, which is back at the tournament for the first time since 1998. Against Iraq, the 25-year-old striker scored twice in the first half, opening the scoring with a close-range finish in the 29th minute and then punishing a major mistake by Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan less than 15 minutes later to make it 2-1.
International media praised the Manchester City star, with Fox Sports writing, "The World Cup has been waiting for Haaland," and Bleacher Report adding, "You cannot stop him." Norwegian coverage was equally effusive, saying it was great to return to the world's biggest stage and stressing that Haaland "will punish you for everything" and that it is impossible to make such a mistake against him.
Haaland's first-half numbers underlined his efficiency. He completed only two accurate passes, yet scored two goals. He also became the first player since Gerd Muller in 1974 to score 57 or more goals in his first 51 appearances for a national team.
The forward has now also moved ahead of Samuel Eto'o and Gabriel Batistuta in their national-team scoring totals, with both legends finishing on 56 goals. Norway's best World Cup result remains the round of 16, which it reached twice, in 1938 and in its last appearance 28 years ago.
