Haaland’s brace fires Norway to 4-1

KATHMANDU: Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice and provided an assist as Norway marked their long-awaited FIFA World Cup return with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I on Tuesday.

Making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, Norway enjoyed a dream start to their 2026 campaign, with Haaland delivering a standout performance.

The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute, brilliantly converting a cross from David Møller Wolfe with a sliding back-heel finish.

Iraq responded nine minutes later when Aymen Hussein powered home a header from Amir Al-Amari’s cross to level the score at 1-1. The goal was Hussein’s 34th in international football.

However, Norway regained the lead before halftime after a costly defensive error by Iraq. Haaland capitalized on a poor back-pass intended for goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, raced onto the loose ball and calmly slotted home his second goal of the night.

The Norwegian side maintained control throughout the second half and extended their advantage in the 76th minute when defender Leo Østigård headed in from a Martin Ødegaard corner.

Haaland then capped off a memorable display by setting up Kristoffer Thorstvedt, who added a fourth goal in the closing stages to seal an emphatic 4-1 win.

The two goals took Haaland’s international tally to 57, further strengthening his status as Norway’s leading attacking force as they begin their World Cup journey in impressive fashion.