Iraq 1-4 Norway: Haaland announces himself with a debut brace

Norway marked their first World Cup appearance since 1998 in style, beating Iraq 4-1 in Foxborough to win their Group I opener and top the section on the day. Stale Solbakken's side were led by Erling Haaland, who needed just one half to turn his long-awaited World Cup bow into a statement.

Haaland strikes twice before the break

Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute for his first goal at a World Cup, capping a debut that had been years in the making. Iraq responded almost immediately: Aymen Hussein rose to head home in the 39th minute, a goal Sky Sports noted as only Iraq's second ever at a World Cup and their first in 40 years. The parity did not last. Haaland restored Norway's lead in the 43rd minute, completing his brace and sending his side into the interval 2-1 up.

Ostigard and a cruel late twist

Norway pulled clear after the hour. Defender Leo Ostigard made it 3-1 in the 76th minute to settle any lingering nerves. The night then turned painful for Hussein, who had scored Iraq's goal: deep into stoppage time, a Norwegian aerial ball deflected off the forward and into his own net, an own goal that made it 4-1. Iraq's frustration had already shown in the 86th minute, when Zaid Tahseen was booked for a cynical foul to halt Haaland.

What it means for Group I

The win lifts Norway to the summit of Group I on the day with three points and a +3 goal difference, an ideal way to return to the world stage after a 28-year absence. Iraq, for all the pride of scoring against a side this dangerous, are left with ground to make up. Norway face Senegal next on June 22, while Iraq meet France the same day with a response to deliver. Relive the game on the match page or browse the full schedule at matches.