Erling Haaland Leads from the Front as Norway Avoid Iran Scare to Send World Cup Warning

Erling Haaland scored twice on his FIFA World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over a determined Iraqi side in their Group I clash at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.

The win marks Norway's largest-ever margin of victory at the tournament finals.

The match began with an electric pace on a clear evening in Boston. Norway broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a beautifully crafted team move. David Moller Wolfe delivered a precise low cross to the far post, where the Manchester City star was waiting for a simple tap-in to open his World Cup account.

However, Iraq refused to buckle and found an equaliser just 10 minutes later. Amir Al-Ammari worked his way to the byline on the left flank and delivered a perfect cross to the back post. Aymen Hussein met the ball with a powerful header that flew into the bottom corner, leveling the score.

Despite their spirited response, Iraq fell behind again just before halftime due to a costly error. A routine backpass from Zaid Tahseen turned into a nightmare as goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated on his clearance, allowing a charging Haaland to block the ball and score his second of the night.

Iraq nearly equalised again in a frantic end to the first half. Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh were both thwarted by superb last-ditch defending from Norway, while Akam Hashim sent a left-footed volley just over the crossbar as the whistle blew.

The second half was a much calmer affair until the 76th minute, when substitute Leo Ostigard secured the win for Norway. The Genoa defender rose highest to connect with a Martin Odegaard corner, glancing a header home from close range. The goal sealed a triumphant return to the World Cup for Norway after a 28-year absence.

Iraq's search for a first-ever World Cup victory continues. Their spirited performance was soured in the final moments when a late own goal from Aymen Hussein, who was battling Kristian Thorstvedt on the goal line, added a fourth for Norway.