Erling Haaland Scores 2 Goals on World Cup Debut as Norway Beat Iraq 4-1 to End 28-Year Wait

Erling Haaland Scores 2 Goals on World Cup Debut as Norway 

Erling Haaland Scores 2 Goals on World Cup Debut as Norway Beat Iraq 4-1 to End 28-Year Wait

Erling Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage in style as Norway ended a 28-year absence with a dominant 4-1 win over Iraq.

The Manchester City striker needed just 18 minutes to open his World Cup account, heading home from a Martin Ødegaard cross. He doubled Norway’s lead before halftime with a clinical finish, marking his first ever World Cup goals and Norway’s first World Cup goals since 1998.

Ødegaard capped the night in the 67th minute with a superb free-kick, sealing a perfect return to football’s biggest stage for the Scandinavians.

Haaland’s debut double takes him to 38 goals for Norway and sends a warning to Group C rivals. After nearly 3 decades away, Ståle Solbakken’s side look like they belong.

“28 years is too long,” Haaland said after the match. “We’re here to stay now.”