Haaland Announces His Presence on the World Cup Stage for Norway

Erling Haaland made his World Cup debut for Norway against Iraq as Norwegian fans ‘row’ their way to Boston stadium. They would continue to row in their seats. Norway is considered to be the dark horse favorite in this year’s World Cup while Iraq was one of the last teams to qualify after surviving an intercontinental playoff game.

The stadium was full with a majority of the fans rooting for Norway, but there was a respectable number of fans from Iraq their as well. Both sides, players and fans, proudly sang their national anthems prior to kick.

For the first nearly 30 minutes, both teams would get a feel for each other. Haaland would not disappoint the Norwegian side as he would score his first ever World Cup goal in the 29th minute to make 1-0 Norway. But the lead would not last for long, as Aymen Hussein would score with a fantastic header to level it 1-1 with Norway in the 39th minute.

However, moments later disaster would strike the Iraqis as the Iraqi defender would misjudge his pass to the Iraqi goalie and Haaland, smelling weakness, would strike as if he was a lion attacking his prey.  The Iraqi goalie would kick the ball into Haaland. The ball bounced off Haaland into the goal to make it 2-1 in the 43rd minute, and Haaland would have a brace.

The second half would be with Norway trying to protect their lead against Iraq. Norway would score again thanks to Leo Østigård in the 76th minute to make it 3-1.

Norway will seal the deal after Hussein of Iraq score an own goal after deflecting a pass by Haaland in the 90+7 minute for a final score 4-1 Norway.

Norway has started strong in their World Cup and have back up their talk as dark horse contenders.