KUCHING: Norway’s long-awaited return to the World Cup ended in celebration as Erling Haaland scored twice on his tournament debut to inspire a 4–1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener today (MST).
Making their first appearance on football’s biggest stage since 1998, the Norwegians overcame a spirited Iraqi challenge before pulling away in the second half to secure all three points.
Much of the spotlight before kick-off centred on Haaland, and the Manchester City striker wasted little time showing why.
The prolific forward opened his World Cup account after 28 minutes, latching onto a pinpoint low cross to give Norway the lead and spark celebrations among supporters who had waited nearly three decades for this moment.
Iraq, appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1986, refused to be overawed.
Their response came 10 minutes later when captain Aymen Hussein rose highest inside the penalty area to power home a superb header and restore parity.
The equaliser briefly threatened to shift momentum, but Norway regained control before the interval through a slice of fortune.
Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan attempted to clear the ball under pressure, only for his effort to cannon off the advancing Haaland and roll into the net, handing Norway a 2–1 advantage heading into half-time.
With the lead restored, Norway gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
Defender Leo Østigård extended the advantage in the 76th minute, meeting a Martin Ødegaard corner with a precise header that all but ended Iraq’s hopes of a comeback.
Norway added a fourth deep into stoppage time when Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, compounding a difficult finish for the Iraqi captain after his earlier goal had briefly brought his side level.
Haaland finished with two goals in a dream World Cup debut, earning player-of-the-match honours and underlining why Norway’s hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of their star striker.
Iraq showed glimpses of the quality that helped them end a 40-year World Cup absence, with Hussein’s equaliser standing out as a reminder of the threat they can pose against the tournament’s stronger sides.
But as the match wore on, Norway’s superior quality and composure proved decisive.
When the final whistle sounded, a 28-year wait was finally over.
Norway’s return to the World Cup had been built around one name, and Haaland repaid that faith in emphatic fashion.
Two goals and three points ensured the Vikings’ long-awaited comeback began exactly as they had hoped.
