Haaland stars in Norway's World Cup opener, 4-1 over Iraq

Norway made a winning return to the World Cup after 28 years, beating Iraq 4-1 overnight Tuesday to Wednesday in the opening match of Group I in Boston. Erling Haaland delivered on the expectations around his tournament debut, scoring twice and helping Norway move to the top of the group ahead of France.

The 25-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute when he slid onto a precise cross from David Moller Wolfe and finished from close range. Iraq, back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, responded in the 39th minute through a powerful header by Ayman Hussein after a cross from Amir Al Ammari. But the equalizer lasted only four minutes, as Haaland pressed goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, blocked his clearance and saw the ball ricochet in for 2-1.

Norway took control after halftime. In the 76th minute, substitute Leo Ostigard rose to meet a Martin Odegaard corner and headed in the third goal. Deep into stoppage time, Norway added a fourth when Haaland’s header was deflected into the net by Hussein and credited as an own goal.

Haaland finished with two goals and might have had a hat trick if not for a fine save by Hassan. He now has 57 goals in 51 international appearances. After the match, Haaland said, "It is not easy to make a World Cup debut, there is a lot of pressure. Winning 4-1 on a day when we were not perfect is a great achievement." Norway next faces Senegal, while Iraq will try to recover against France, who beat Senegal 3-1 in their opening game.