Sports

Haaland Scores Brace as Norway Defeat Iraq 4-1 in World Cup Opener

 

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday to make a winning start to their FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Manchester City striker netted his first-ever World Cup goals, taking his international tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Iraq equalised through Aymen Hussein’s header 10 minutes later.

The Norwegian striker restored his side’s lead before halftime after capitalising on a defensive error by Iraq.

Substitute Leo Ostigard extended Norway’s advantage in the 76th minute with a header, while an own goal by Hussein deep into stoppage time sealed the victory.

The result leaves Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day.

Norway, making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, will face France in their next group match on June 22.

Olayinka Babatunde

Recent Posts

Funeral mass for veteran actor Olu Jacobs holds in Lagos

The funeral mass for late Nollywood veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, is holding today, Friday, at…

2 days ago

Indian pilot recounts flydubai ordeal, says ‘I could not let all those people die’

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was wounded during an alleged attack by his co-pilot aboard…

2 days ago

Lagos Receives CNG, Electric Buses to Boost Public Transportation

The Lagos State Government has taken delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric buses…

2 days ago

Flooding Destroys Houses, Farmlands in Kwara Communities

Flooding has destroyed houses and farmlands in Pututa and other communities in Lafiagi, Edu Local…

2 days ago

Trump Threatens Iran With ‘Very Hard’ Response Over Flydubai Flight Incident

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigations…

2 days ago

19 Corps Members Among Passengers Abducted Along Owerri-Onitsha Expressway

Two 18-seater buses conveying prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members from Ibadan to Akwa…

2 days ago