Haaland hits a brace as Norway hammer Iraq in Boston
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 03:18
Norway will now turn their attention to a tough Group I clash against France on Tuesday, while Iraq will be up against Senegal.
Norway produced a commanding performance at Boston Stadium on Wednesday morning, sweeping aside Iraq 4-1 in a lively World Cup Group I encounter, with Erling Haaland once again at the centre of the action, scoring twice in a ruthless display of finishing.
The opening stages were played at a high tempo, with both sides showing intent. Norway gradually took control through neat passing moves, and Haaland was already sniffing chances inside the box, though Iraq’s defence initially held firm.
The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when David Wolfe threaded a brilliant pass into the area, allowing Haaland to burst through and fire emphatically into the top right corner. It was a clean, clinical finish that gave Norway a deserved 1-0 lead.
Iraq responded well and found their equaliser in the 39th minute. Amir Al Ammari delivered a clever lofted ball into the box, and Aymen Hussein rose highest to guide a close-range header past Ørjan Nyland, bringing the score to 1-1 and briefly silencing Norway.
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However, parity lasted only a few minutes. Just before half-time, Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan made a costly mistake, mis-kicking a clearance straight into the path of Haaland. The Norwegian striker reacted instantly, smashing the ball into the net from close range to restore Norway’s lead at 2-1 going into the break.
The second half saw Iraq try to push forward, with Aymen Hussein going close with a header that drifted just wide and Hussein Ali firing narrowly over. Norway, though, remained dangerous and composed in possession, with Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play and Antonio Nusa constantly stretching the Iraqi backline.
Norway’s third goal arrived in the 76th minute from a set piece. Ødegaard’s corner was perfectly delivered, and Leo Østigård rose above the defence to power a header into the roof of the net, extending the lead to 3-1 and putting the game beyond Iraq’s reach.
Haaland came close to completing a hat-trick but was denied by a sharp save from Jalal Hassan as Norway continued to dominate the closing stages. Kristian Thorstvedt also had a late opportunity but failed to keep his effort on target.
The fourth goal came deep into stoppage time when Iraq’s defence was caught under pressure and Aymen Hussein inadvertently headed into his own net, sealing a harsh ending for the Middle Eastern side.
Looking ahead, Norway will now turn their attention to a tough Group I clash against France on Tuesday, while Iraq will be up against Senegal.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
Monday, 15.06.
Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)
/Diallo 90/
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/
Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0
Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)
/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/
Tuesday 16.06.
Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)
/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/
Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)
/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/
France - Senegal 3-1 (0-0)
/Mbappe 66,90+6 Barcola 82 - Mbaye 90+5/
Wednesday
Iraq-Norway 1-3 (1-2)
/Hussein 39- Haaland 29, 43 Ostigard 76/
04.00: (1.47) Argentina (4.60) Algeria (8.10)
07.00: (1.40) Austria (5.00) Jordan (9.00)
20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)
Thursday
02.00: (2.25) Ghana (3.20) Panama (3.40)
05.00: (8.50) Uzbekistan (4.50) Colombia (1.42)
19.00: (1.80) Czech R. (3.50) S.Africa (4.70)
22.00: (1.65) Switzerland (3.60) B&H (5.80)
***odds are subject to change***