Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut as Norway powered past Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener in Boston. The Manchester City striker netted his first goals at a major international tournament on Tuesday as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Haaland turned in from close range to give Norway the lead on 29 minutes, but Aymen Hussein’s header brought Iraq level. Haaland then pounced on an error at the back to put Norway ahead again before half-time, taking his international tally to 57 goals in 51 matches.

Leo Ostigard headed in a third for Norway moments after coming off the bench to effectively wrap up the victory. Norway then got a fourth deep into stoppage time through a Hussein own goal. The win left Norway on top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points.

Iraq secured their place as the 48th and final qualifiers in March after a 21-match campaign that stretched across 867 days. Hussein was held and questioned by US immigration officials after arriving with the squad ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup since 1986.

Norway last played at the tournament in 1998. Coach Stale Solbakken predicted Haaland would make a “very big impact” at his first major finals, and the Manchester City star delivered. Norway faces Senegal in their next game in New Jersey on June 22.

Source: www.aljazeera.com