Haaland Finally Arrives: Multi-Goal Performance in World Cup Debut

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Norway's "monster striker" Erling Haaland, a three-time Premier League top scorer, has made a powerful impression by netting two goals in his World Cup debut. Returning to the World Cup stage for the first time in 28 years, Norway cruised to a big victory over Iraq thanks to Haaland's performance.

Jeon Yeongmin reports.

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With fans heating up the atmosphere with their signature cheers even before kickoff, Norway, making its return to the World Cup after 28 years, dominated the game from the start and scored the opening goal in the 29th minute.

Super striker Haaland made a sharp run toward the goal to score in his dream World Cup debut.

A low, fast cross from his teammate Volpe seemed to be sliding past, but it caught Haaland's long leg and found the back of the net.

Norway conceded an equalizer to Iraq during a corner kick situation in the 39th minute, but Haaland found the net again just four minutes later.

Haaland pounced on a ball that an Iraqi defender, flustered by his high press, had intended to pass back to the goalkeeper.

The ball, which the goalkeeper desperately tried to clear, hit Haaland's leg and rolled into the goal.

Norway later added a clinching header from Østigård and an own goal by the opponent to defeat Iraq 4-1, moving to the top of Group I ahead of France on goal difference.

Iraq became the first Asian nation to record a loss in this tournament.

[Haaland / Norway National Football Team Striker: I think I played the way I always do. It will be difficult at this stage, but I will focus on the next game, and while I am naturally happy, I will try to stay calm.]

In Group J, Austria defeated Jordan 3-1, thanks to a fantastic long-range shot from Schmid and an own goal by defender Yazan, who plays for FC Seoul in the K-League, enjoying the joy of a World Cup victory for the first time in 36 years.

(Video Editing: Park Gi-deok, Design: Kim Han-gil)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.