Erling Haaland bagged two goals as Norway began their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 thrashing of A-Leagues legend Graham Arnold’s Iraq.
It took Manchester City superstar Haaland 29 minutes to open his World Cup account in Boston and it was a trademark finish from the Norwegian, timing his run perfectly to the far post to convert David Møller Wolfe’s pinpoint low delivery into the box.
RACE TO GLORY: Predict the results as Australia & New Zealand play on the global stage in North America
Seemingly taking his Premier League exploits into the World Cup, Haaland’s goal was his 56th in 51 appearances for his country but whilst it looked as though Iraq were well and truly up against it, Arnold’s side rallied.
Picked out down the left hand side, Amir Al-Ammari stood up a brilliant ball into the box which was met by the towering leap of Ayman Hussein, who’s powerful header beat the diving Ørjan Nyland and flew into the bottom corner.
ALL WHITES LATEST: Just double helps New Zealand secure hard-fought draw with Iran
Iraq then shot themselves in the foot on the approach to half-time and it’s a moment goalkeeper Jalal Hassan won’t want to see again.
Taking his eye off a short backpass from central defender Zaid Tahseen, Hassan took too long to clear the ball and when he did try to get rid there was Haaland charging him down, with the keeper’s eventual clearance slamming off the arriving Haaland and into the back of the net.
Iraq came close to bagging the leveller on the stroke of half-time but it wasnt’ to be and with both sides making changes in a bid to secure the win, it was Norway who bagged a third goal in the 77th minute; substitute Leo Østigård powering a header beyond Hassan and into the net from a corner.
LATEST: From the A-Leagues to the World: ‘No other sport gives you that opportunity’
Haaland then came close to bagging his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, once again capitalising on some sloppy Iraqi defending but the City star’s powerful effort was well saved by Hassan to prevent Norway scoring their fourth.
Norway did eventually bag their fourth goal of the day though and it came in the dying seconds of added time as substitute Kristian Thorstvedt was on hand to bundle home Haaland’s header back across goal to complete the rout in Boston.
Arnie’s Iraq drop to the bottom of Group I ahead of their Matchday Two clash with 2018 World Champions France on Tuesday, June 23.
Arnie’s heartfelt post-match message
Whilst defeat would no doubt have been tough to take for the Lions of Mesopotamia, Arnie reiterated his belief that his side needn’t not feel down in the dumps.
“I think three points will get you through to the next phase,” said Arnold after the game. We’ve got two more games to go.”
Those two games come against World Cup winners France on Matchday Two in Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 23.
They then wrap up their World Cup group stage run with what is shaping as a crucial clash aganst Senegal, who suffered a 3-1 loss to France earlier on Wednesday.
“I thought the boys did exceptionally well in the first half, (but) a couple of mistakes hurt us badly.
“But what a great occasion this has been for Iraq. So many fans here and great atmosphere, so it was a special night.”
