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Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Thrash Iraq in World Cup Return

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their first World Cup match in 28 years, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
  • Iraq, participating in their first World Cup in 40 years, initially appeared in control but conceded two goals before halftime.
  • Despite a strong start from Iraq, Norway secured a comfortable victory with additional goals in the second half.

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway celebrated their return to the World Cup stage with a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq. This marks Norway's first appearance in the tournament in 28 years, while Iraq is competing for the first time in four decades.

Winning 4-1 is fantastic for everyone.

— Erling HaalandThe Norwegian star striker expressed his satisfaction after scoring twice in his team's World Cup opener.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 35th minute, assisted by captain Martin Ødegaard. However, Iraq quickly equalized through Aymen Hussein. The first half seemed destined for a draw until a costly error by Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to score his second goal, giving Norway a 2-1 lead just before the break.

It is not easy to debut in a World Cup, there are many emotions and nerves.

— Erling HaalandHaaland commented on the feelings associated with playing in his first World Cup match.

In the second half, Norway extended their advantage with goals from Leo Østigård and Kristian Thorstvedt, sealing a comfortable win. "Winning 4-1 is fantastic for everyone," Haaland stated after the match, reflecting the team's elation. Coach Ståle Solbakken expressed satisfaction with the result and the three-goal advantage but noted areas for improvement in ball movement and overall team play, acknowledging Iraq's organized defense.

Overall it was an uneven match from our side. Especially how we handled and moved the ball. It didn't go fast enough and Iraq was a very organized team.

— Ståle SolbakkenThe Norwegian coach reflected on his team's performance despite the convincing victory.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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