In an electrifying first half on a clear Boston evening, a flowing Norwegian move in the 28th minute allowed Haaland to open his WC account and nudge his team in front. The Manchester City striker was left with a simple tap-in after David Moller Wolfe's pinpoint low cross to the back post
But any thoughts of an Iraqi collapse were ill-founded as they drew level 10 minutes later. Amir Al-Ammari got to the byline on the left wing, and the Cracovia midfielder stood the ball up at the back post to allow Aymen Hussein to bullet his header into the bottom corner.
Despite the jubilation of the equaliser, Iraq would go in behind at HT due to a self-inflicted wound that allowed Norway to retake the lead. A harmless backpass from Zaid Tahseen quickly turned disastrous, as goalkeeper Jalal Hassan dallied and allowed Haaland to charge down his clearance.
Responding well to the setback, Iraq went close three times in the final five minutes of the first half, as Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh were denied by excellent last-ditch Norwegian defending before Akam Hashim hit a left-footed volley just over the bar on the stroke of HT.
After the storm of a chaotic first half, a calm descended on the opening period of the second half, with neither team registering a shot on target until the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard put the result beyond doubt.
The Genoa defender rose highest to meet Martin Odegaard’s corner, and he glanced his header home from close range to seal a win on Norway’s return to WC action after a 28-year hiatus.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s wait for a first WC victory continues, and a late Aymen Hussein own goal added a demoralising end to a spirited performance, as the ball bounced off the striker while he jostled on the goal line with Kristian Thorstvedt.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Erling Haaland (Norway)