Norway took an important step in its aspirations for the 2026 World Cup by beating Iraq 4-1 in a match that required maximum concentration and in which Erling Haaland once again demonstrated why he is one of the most decisive forwards on the planet.

The Scandinavian team had to react after a difficult start and ended up finding in their scorer the necessary difference to add three fundamental points in Group I, considered by many to be one of the most competitive sectors of the first phase.

Haaland leads the way for Norway

For several minutes, Iraq managed to bother a Norwegian team that could not find space or fluidity in attack. The Asian team showed physical intensity and aggressiveness in their pressure, making it difficult for the Europeans to get the ball out.

However, after the hydration break, the game changed course.

A quick combination between Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and David Wolfe ended with a service into the area that found Erling Haaland, who dove to connect the ball and open the scoring.

The goal had special meaning for the Manchester City attacker, as it represented his first goal in a World Cup during Norway's return to the tournament after their absence at Qatar 2022.

Iraq responded and put the Europeans in trouble

When it seemed that Norway would take definitive control of the match, Iraq reacted with personality.

An outstanding collective play ended with a precise cross from Ali Jassim for Aymen Hussein, who rose between the Norwegian defenders to seal the 1-1 draw.

The score had a special value for the Iraqi team, which found in the striker an immediate response against one of the group's favorites.

Equality, however, did not last long.

Haaland's pressure changes the game

The Norwegian striker's insistence once again made a difference before the break.

Haaland pressured a rival ball, caused a defensive error and ended up deflecting a clearance by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, an action that ended in the back of the goal to return the advantage to Norway.

The goal hit Iraq hard, although the Asian team maintained its intensity and was close to tying again before halftime.

A saving sweep by Kristoffer Ajer prevented what seemed like a dead goal from Ali Al-Hamadi, preserving the European lead.

Norway kills the game in the second half

After the break, Iraq tried to take over possession and reduce the influence of Haaland and Sorloth in attack.

For several minutes, the strategy worked and Norway had difficulty creating danger.

Tranquility for the Scandinavians came thanks to a set piece action.

Defender Leo Ostigard, who had just entered the field, appeared unmarked inside the area to connect with a header and extend the difference to 3-1.

With the match practically defined, Norway managed the advantage and took advantage of the spaces left by Iraq in search of a reaction.

Haaland participates in the play for the fourth goal

In the final minutes, Haaland was once again the protagonist.

The forward came close to completing a hat-trick after heading a header inside the area, although the action ended up becoming Norway's fourth goal after a dispute between Kristian Thorstvedt and Aymen Hussein in front of the goal.

The score closed a convincing performance by a team that confirmed its aspirations to compete for one of the tickets to the next round.

Norway catches up with France at the top of Group I

With the victory, Norway equaled France on points at the top of Group I, an area that before the tournament was noted as one of the most complex in the competition.

The next confrontation between the French and Norwegians promises to become one of the most attractive matches in the group stage and could define the leadership of the sector.