Haaland scores twice as Norway defeats Iraq 4-1 in World Cup opener
via The Namibian2 min read
Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup goals, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their opening match, marking Norway's return to a major tournament after 26 years. Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Aymen Hussein equalized for Iraq. Haaland then capitalized on a defensive error to put Norway ahead again before halftime, bringing his international goal tally to 57 in 51 matches. Leo Ostigard added a third goal for Norway, and an own goal by Hussein in stoppage time secured the 4-1 win. This victory places Norway at the top of Group I, level on points with France. Norway will face Senegal in their next game. Iraq, who had a challenging 21-match qualification campaign, had Hussein questioned by US immigration officials upon arrival. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken, who played in their last World Cup appearance in 1998, expressed confidence in Haaland's impact, which the Manchester City striker delivered on. Despite Iraq's efforts to respond, including a close attempt by Ibrahim Bayesh, Norway maintained control, with Haaland also contributing to the late fourth goal.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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Mexico became the first team to reach the World Cup knockout round after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. A goal from Luis Romo secured Mexico's top spot in Group A with a game remaining. South Korea is currently second with three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point. In other matches, Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating Qatar 6-0 in Group B. This win puts Canada on the brink of advancing to the last 32, needing only a point against Switzerland to finish first in their group. The Canadian victory was marked by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after a challenge that resulted in a red card for Qatar's Assim Madibo. Canada coach Jesse Marsch stated that Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg. Earlier, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, reigniting their campaign in Group B. Johan Manzambi scored twice for Switzerland. South Africa also kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a penalty for South Africa.
Switzerland secured a 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles. Substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas were instrumental, with Manzambi scoring first from a Vargas cross. Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a tackle on Breel Embolo. Manzambi then created a goal for Vargas, and Vargas assisted another for Manzambi. Ermin Mamhic scored a consolation goal for Bosnia, but Granit Xhaka sealed the win with a penalty in stoppage time. This result places Switzerland at the top of Group B with four points. Early in the match, veteran midfielders Xhaka and Remo Freuler orchestrated attacks for Switzerland, while Edin Dzeko created Bosnia's first major chance. Nikola Vasilj saved a bicycle kick from Dan Ndoye. The game saw a shift after coach Murat Yakin made three substitutions in the 72nd minute, leading to the late surge of goals.