Haaland brace steers Norway to 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq

Erling Haaland led Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match since 1998, settling nerves in Boston as the dark horses made a winning start in the so-called 'Group of Death'. The Manchester City striker's first-half brace proved decisive. Haaland opened the scoring by turning home a cross at the back post just shy of the half-hour mark.

Iraq were level within 10 minutes through Ayman Hussein's powerful header, but Haaland then pounced on an under-hit back-pass; the Iraqi goalkeeper was too slow to react and the clearance cannoned off the striker's knee. Norway's David Moller Wolfe produced a goal-saving block from a close-range volley, and Akam Hashem rattled a fierce shot just over the crossbar with the last kick of the first half.

The Asian side continued to threaten, but Norway grew into the match after the break.

United States, Boston

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