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Norway player ratings vs Iraq: Erling Haaland steals the spotlight with a brace as the dark horses begin their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory in Boston.

Erling Haaland delivered exactly what was expected of him as Norway marked their return to the World Cup stage with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Iraq on Tuesday. The Manchester City forward’s two first-half goals proved decisive in ensuring the Scandinavians got off to a winning start in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, in what has been labelled the ‘Group of Death’.

Returning to the tournament after a 28-year hiatus, Norway displayed understandable nerves early on. However, Haaland calmed those jitters by stretching to convert a cross at the back post just before the 30-minute mark.

Iraq, though, responded strongly. Within 10 minutes, Ayman Hussein’s towering header made it 1-1. But the equaliser didn’t last long. Haaland’s relentless pressing forced a mistake from the Iraqi defence, as a weak back-pass and a delayed reaction from the goalkeeper saw the ball ricochet off Haaland’s knee and into the net.

Iraq continued to push before halftime, with David Moller Wolfe producing a vital block from a close-range effort, and Akam Hashem going agonisingly close with a thunderous drive that flew just over the crossbar.

After the interval, Norway took more control of proceedings. Substitute Leo Ostigard extended the lead with a precise header twelve minutes from time. Haaland later missed a chance to complete his hat-trick, but Norway added a fourth when his looping header across goal forced an Iraqi defender into an own goal.

Here is GOAL’s assessment of Norway’s players from their World Cup opener in Boston:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Orjan Nyland (6/10):

Had little chance of stopping Iraq’s goal and wasn’t called into action often beyond that.

Julian Ryerson (6/10):

Struggled to get forward as much as usual, and his crosses lacked their normal precision.

Kristoffer Ajer (7/10):

Made a crucial block to deny Al-Hamadi when he looked certain to score and commanded the defence effectively.

Torbjorn Heggem (6/10):

Looked uncertain early on but grew into the game, making several important clearances.

David Moller Wolfe (7/10):

Impressed going forward and provided the assist for the opening goal. Also produced a vital defensive block to preserve Norway’s lead.

Midfield

Sander Berge (6/10):

Played it safe too often but was instrumental in creating the first goal when he did venture forward.

Fredrik Aursnes (6/10):

The Benfica midfielder delivered a steady, hard-working display, contributing energy and balance in midfield.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Struggled to impose himself creatively against a deep Iraqi defence but managed to register an assist from a corner.

Attack

Alexander Sorloth (5/10):

Clearly out of position on the flank and unable to make a meaningful impact before being substituted.

Erling Haaland (8/10):

Predictably clinical. Scored with his first World Cup shot on target and pressed relentlessly for his second. Quieter after the break but his work was done.

Antonio Nusa (7/10):

Full of flair and confidence, combining quick feet with smart movement. His creativity contributed to the opening goal, living up to his ‘Norwegian Neymar’ reputation.

Substitutes & Manager

Oscar Bobb (6/10):

Had a subdued appearance and didn’t see much of the ball after coming on.

Kristian Thorstvedt (7/10):

Played a key part in forcing the late own goal and provided an attacking spark.

Andreas Schjelderup (6/10):

Had limited time to influence proceedings and took a heavy knock during his cameo.

Leo Ostigard (7/10):

Made an instant impact by heading home shortly after being introduced.

Patrick Berg (N/A):

Came on in the closing stages to help secure the midfield and maintain possession.

Stale Solbakken (8/10):

A rewarding night for the Norway manager, whose team executed their plan well. With tougher matches against Senegal and France on the horizon, this win provides a vital early boost to their qualification hopes.