US: Norway starts tournament with big win, 4-1, shattering Iraq's dreams

 Norway starts tournament with big win, 4-1, shattering Iraq's dreams

Norway sent a great message in their return to the World Cup stage. They started the tournament with a dominant victory over Iraq 4-1 with a pair of goals and an assist from Erling Haaland.

The start of the match at Boston Stadium in the United States was not so one-sided. Both teams fought hard with attacks and counterattacks. However, in the 29th minute, Holland took the lead with a goal from David Møller's cross.

Norway could not hold on to the lead for long. In the 39th minute, Aymen Hussein equalized by heading in Amir Al Ammari's cross. But the joy of regaining parity did not last long for Iraq. Towards the end of the first half, Holland got another chance due to a mistake by goalkeeper Jalal Hasan, and he easily scored his second goal.

After the break, Norway took complete control of the match. In the 76th minute, Leo Østegaard increased the lead by heading in a corner from Martin Odegaard.

Iraq tried hard at the end, but Norway's defense could not break it. In the seventh minute of added time, Christian Thorstvedt headed in a goal from Holland's assist to make it 4-1.

Norway was ahead in possession, passing and attack throughout the match. In addition to 63 percent possession, they took 13 shots, of which 7 were on target. In contrast, Iraq had 11 shots, but only 1 was on target.

With this win, Norway has established a strong position in the Group I points table. With France also starting with a win in the same group, there are indications that the fight will become more intense.

BD Pratidin/Ashiq