Norway has qualified for its first World Cup in 28 years, so it's the first time for Erling Haaland on the game's biggest stage, and the iconic striker celebrated with a brace, as Norway defeated Iraq, 4-1, in its first Group I match.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, then again in the 43rd minute, just four minutes after Iraq had equalized. That tally came as Haaland pressured the right back deep in Iraq territory, then intercepted his lazy pass to the goalkeeper, just before it reached him. Leo Østigård gave the Norwegians a two-goal cushion in the 76th minute and the fourth was an own-goal by Iraq.
My take: Haaland deserves this showcase so casual or new fans can see for themselves why people rave about him.
THE ASYLUM
Haaland brace in first World Cup
Norway has qualified for its first World Cup in 28 years, so it's the first time for Erling Haaland on the game's biggest stage, and the iconic striker celebrated with a brace, as Norway defeated Iraq, 4-1, in its first Group I match.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, then again in the 43rd minute, just four minutes after Iraq had equalized. That tally came as Haaland pressured the right back deep in Iraq territory, then intercepted his lazy pass to the goalkeeper, just before it reached him. Leo Østigård gave the Norwegians a two-goal cushion in the 76th minute and the fourth was an own-goal by Iraq.
My take: Haaland deserves this showcase so casual or new fans can see for themselves why people rave about him.
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