Overview
- Erling Haaland scored in the 29th and 43rd minutes as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium, marking Norway’s first World Cup match since 1998 and an emphatic start to Group I on Tuesday.
- Iraq pulled level in the 39th minute when Aymen Hussein headed home a cross, but Norway reclaimed the lead four minutes later after a pressured back pass turned into Haaland’s second goal.
- Leo Østigård headed Norway’s third in the 76th minute after a Martin Ødegaard corner, and reports differ on the 90+6 goal with some outlets crediting Kristian Thorstvedt and others calling it an own goal by Aymen Hussein.
- Haaland’s two goals extended his international record to 57 in 51 appearances and reinforced his status coming into the tournament after another prolific club season.
- About 63,106 fans watched in Foxborough as the result boosts Norway’s early standing in Group I and leaves Iraq to regroup ahead of a second-round meeting with France.