Norway vs Iraq: Haaland Fires 4-1 World Cup Win
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their World Cup opener, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and leading a powerful comeback in Boston. The result gave Norway a flying start to Group I and underlined Haaland’s status as the match’s decisive figure.
What was the final score?
Norway did not win 4-1 with four separate scorers alone; Haaland scored twice, Leo Ostigard added a third, and an added-time own goal completed the four-goal total. Iraq’s only goal came from Aymen Hussein in the first half.
Why did Norway pull away?
The match was close early on, but Norway’s finishing quality changed everything. Haaland opened the scoring, Iraq equalized through Aymen Hussein, and then Haaland restored the lead before halftime.
The second half belonged to Norway’s structure and depth, with Martin Odegaard’s set-piece delivery helping Leo Ostigard score and the late own goal sealing the margin. ESPN’s recap described Norway’s finish as emphatic after they shut Iraq down for long stretches after the break.
What does Haaland’s performance mean?
Haaland’s brace immediately made the World Cup feel like his stage, and it also gave Norway a statement win in their return to the tournament. ESPN noted that he scored a typical poacher’s opener, then punished a mistake by the Iraq goalkeeper for his second.
That matters because Norway did not rely on one moment or one phase of play. They combined vertical pace, direct attacking, and late pressure, which is a dangerous mix for opponents in a short group stage.
How did Iraq respond?
Iraq had a positive spell before halftime and were rewarded when Aymen Hussein headed home to make it 1-1. That goal showed they could threaten Norway in the air and on transitions.
Still, the gap in control became clearer as the game progressed. Iraq struggled to sustain pressure after the break, while Norway used their midfield and wide runners to keep them pinned back.
