Haaland shines in World Cup debut as Norway triumph
Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with two goals as Norway began their campaign with a commanding win over Iraq.
Haaland opened the scoring on 29 minutes, set up by David Wolfe, and though Ali Hussein levelled for Iraq on 39, the striker restored the lead before half-time. Leo Østigård added a third on 76 from a Martin Ødegaard assist, before an Iraq own goal in the 90th rounded off the scoring.
For Haaland and Norway, back on the biggest stage after so long away, it was the perfect start. Iraq battled gamely but were ultimately outclassed by a side with genuine ambitions.
Photo: "Erling Haaland" by Jacek Stanislawek / CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons (source)
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