Haaland Announces World Cup Arrival With Two-Goal Haul as Norway Demolish Iraq

The superstars delivered when it mattered most. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi all took centre stage on a blockbuster opening day, but it was the Manchester City sharpshooter who stole the headlines with a predatory two-goal performance that ultimately proved the difference between the sides.

Haaland's brace matched Mbappe's tally from earlier in the day, though neither man's team looked entirely convincing in their respective triumphs. Norway's victory over Iraq was scintillating in patches but ultimately one-sided, with the Iraqis fading badly after the interval as their opponents pulled clear in the closing stages.

For forty-five minutes, though, Iraq threatened to be genuine troublemakers in this tournament. Ayman Hussein's powerful header brought them level and represented both a deserved reward for their committed display and a pointed reminder to the USA about what they'd been missing during his delayed arrival in the country. On this showing, Iraq possessed the quality to make waves—had the draw been kinder, at least.

But this is the harsh reality of World Cup football at the highest level. Haaland's two finishes—both ruthlessly clinical—proved decisive. The first saw the Norwegian striker arrive late at the back post to convert a pinpoint David Moller Wolfe cross, a finish bearing all the hallmarks of his City training-ground repetition. The second, however, will sting far longer. With Iraq having just levelled and Norway visibly rattled, a short backpass and a momentary hesitation from Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to pounce. Two goals from barely five yards out—the calling card of a predator operating at his peak.

Norway didn't truly secure matters until late in the piece, when Stale Solbakken's substitutions following the hydration break finally injected the required urgency. Leo Ostigard, enjoying acres of space as the Iraqi defence remained transfixed by Haaland and Alexander Sorloth, powered home a header from a corner to make it three.

A chaotic fourth arrived in stoppage time when Ayman Hussein's own goal—his second of the evening—was credited after Kristian Thorstvedt's pressure forced a Haaland header to ricochet off the defender. Until that final whistle, Haaland was chasing the hat-trick that had looked inevitable after his two first-half strikes. Tellingly, he was far more involved in Norway's broader attacking play than he typically is at club level, where he often operates in more isolated circumstances.

Yet the significance of Norway's biggest-ever World Cup victory shouldn't be overlooked, particularly given the formidable company in their group. France and Senegal await, meaning a third-place finish remains entirely possible—and if that scenario unfolds, goal difference could yet prove crucial. Iraq, meanwhile, face a stern test in a group that also includes the impressive Senegal outfit, who showed enough in defeat to suggest they'll be genuine contenders in the weeks ahead.

Norway emerged as the obvious danger lurking in this corner of the draw. Based on this evidence, whoever finishes third here could occupy the same role come the knockout stages.