Haaland’s brace fires Norway back to World Cup with 4-1 win over Iraq

● Man City striker nets twice on return to global stage as both nations make first World Cup appearance this century

Erling Haaland announced Norway’s return to the World Cup with authority Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker scored twice as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener — a result that put the Scandinavians top of the group and sent a warning to the rest of the tournament.

Both teams were back on the World Cup stage for the first time in the 21st century. Haaland made sure Norway’s comeback was louder.

–Haaland strikes early, then punishes mistakes–

Norway opened the scoring with a team goal.

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland started a move that cycled through 14 passes before David Moller Wolfe swung in a cross from the left.

Haaland slid in at the back post to poke home. 1-0.

Iraq responded 10 minutes later. Veteran forward Aymen Hussein rose highest to meet Amir Al Ammari’s chipped cross and plant a header past Nyland.

He became just the second Iraqi player ever to score at a World Cup.

But Haaland had the last say of the half. He pounced on a mix-up between Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to restore Norway’s lead. Norway went into the break 2-1 up — their first World Cup lead in decades.

–Substitute seal it–

Leo Ostigard needed only 3 minutes and 30 seconds after coming on at halftime to make it 3-1. Left completely unmarked at a corner, he strode forward and powered a header past Hassan.

A late own goal from Aymen Hussein completed a comfortable 4-1 win for Norway.

–Key numbers–

1. Haaland: 2 goals, already over 50 international goals entering the tournament. He looks set to drag Norway deep.
2. Aymen Hussein: Iraq’s talisman. Scored their only goal and was unlucky to end with an own goal.
3. Group I: Norway move to the top early. With France and Senegal also in the group, goal difference could matter.

Norway missed five straight World Cups despite having stars like Haaland and Martin Odegaard.

Their return ends a 28-year absence since France ’98. Iraq, meanwhile, returned for the first time since 1986.

With Haaland in this form — predatory in the box, ruthless on errors — Norway will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Norway sit top of Group I after Matchday 1. Up next is a massive test against France or Senegal. For Haaland, the World Cup stage is set. The goals have started.