Haaland double powers Norway past Iraq on World Cup return

Erling Haaland scored twice and assisted another on his World Cup debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in Boston, with Leo Østigård and Kristian Thorstvedt also on target either side of Aymen Hussein's header.

Erling Haaland announced himself on his World Cup debut in style, scoring twice and setting up another as Norway brushed aside Iraq 4-1 in Boston to make a statement of intent in Group I.

Norway, back at the World Cup after a long absence and brimming with talent, started fast. Erling Haaland opened the scoring on 29 minutes, finishing from close range after David Møller Wolfe had done the hard work down the left.

Iraq, to their credit, hit straight back. Aymen Hussein rose to head home an equaliser on 39 minutes, and for a moment the underdogs sensed an upset. It lasted barely four minutes. Haaland restored Norway's lead before half-time with a typically ruthless finish to make it 2-1.

The second half belonged entirely to the Norwegians. Leo Østigård powered in a third from a Martin Ødegaard corner on 76 minutes, and substitute Kristian Thorstvedt completed the rout late on, turning in Haaland's pass.

With Ødegaard pulling the strings and Haaland leading the line, Norway look every bit a side to be reckoned with, joining France on three points at the top of Group I. For Iraq, and for neutrals in Kenya, there was at least Aymen Hussein's header to enjoy on an otherwise chastening night.