Anything Kylian Mbappe can do, Erling Haaland can clearly match it. The Norway striker announced himself on the World Cup stage with a sensational brace as Norway marked their return after 28 years to the tournament with a 4-1 win over Iraq.
Mbappe had powered France to a 3-1 win over Senegal earlier in the day. Still, Haaland ensured that his side went to the top of Group I. Haaland scored both his goals in the first half as Iraq provided a strong test for the European side, who impressed during the qualifiers.
Haaland was the hero for Norway when they advanced through beating Italy and others to secure a historic campaign. The Manchester City striker scored in the 29th and 43rd minutes, before Leo Ostigard’s header in the final quarter of the second half ensured that the three points remained in their bag. Kristian Thorstvedt scored in stoppage time to ensure that the game was sealed late in stoppage time.
For Iraq, Aymein Hussein levelled the score in the 39th minute, but they were left to rue costly errors.
HAALAND PUNISHES IRAQ
Iraq learned in the toughest way possible that Haaland is a striker, who you don’t give any chances. The start to the game was very mellow for the City forward as he found himself isolated early.
Iraq were applying all the pressure early as chances for both sides were far and few in between. Haaland got his first sniff of the goal in the 3rd minute, but Norway lacked that cutting edge early on.
Antonio Nusa provided some impetus to the attack for the Norwegians, who were still being kept at bay by the Iraqi defence. The first chance of the game actually went in Iraq’s favour as Ali Al-Hamadi’s shot blazed over the post. The hydration break came at the right moment for Norway, as Nusa once again orchestrated the attack, which allowed Wolfe to lay the ball to Haaland and he made no mistake.
Despite taking the lead, Norway didn’t look to be in control as Iraq kept on probing them. This resulted in them finding the equaliser as Hussein headed the ball into the net. The striker almost missed the tournament due to visa issues, but made his presence felt.
Just as things looked up for Iraq, disaster struck.
Goalkeeper Hasan made a crucial error and it allowed Haaland to capitalise on a short pass and bury the ball inside the net.
Iraq pushed hard for the equaliser but Norway held the lead into the second half.
NORWAY MISSING POWER ON RIGHT
If he was playing for any other team, Alexander Sorloth would have been the first choice striker. But with Haaland around, Sorloth is being played on the right.
However, he is someone who is known for his trickery or providing width. Julian Ryerson didn’t get the cover from the tall forward and was left exposed to attacks from Iraq.
This was troubling Norway to provide the ball to Haaland and Iraq continued to be on the front foot. They created a few more half chances, but couldn’t capitalise.
In the 73rd minute, Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup came on and it felt like Norway received a dose of an energy drink. Suddenly, pace was available on the right and Bobb’s presence got them a corner.
Martin Odegaard got the ball into the box and Ostigard rose above everyone to hit the ball into the net and make things 3-1. Iraq continued to press on but Norway remained resolute in defence.
Another sweeping attack in stoppage time allowed Thorstvedt to capitalise on confusion inside the box and make it 4-1. While the win will be a great feeling for Norway, there is a lot more work to be done if they want to go the distance in the tournament.
The defence looked to be shaky and prone to attacks from the right. They will also need to decide a role for Sorloth as a winger role doesn’t fit well.
Norway will be taking on Senegal next on June 23, four days before they face France.
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