Iraq coach Graham Arnold has hailed a “special night” despite his side suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway in their World Cup opener on Wednesday (AEST). It was a historic evening for Arnold, who became the first Australian to lead a foreign nation to the men’s World Cup and the first Aussie to coach at back-to-back editions of the tournament.
Historic occasion for Iraq
While Iraq were on the receiving end of a thrashing in their first World Cup appearance since 1986, it remained a momentous occasion for former Socceroos boss Arnold and the country. “I thought the boys did exceptionally well first half, a couple of mistakes hurt us badly,” Arnold told the BBC. “What a great occasion this has been for Iraq. So many fans here and a great atmosphere, so it’s a special night.”
Iraq held their own with a sizeable contingent of supporters mostly concentrated behind one of the goals. That energy helped Iraq briefly get back into the game in the 38th minute when Amir Alammari crossed over three Norway defenders, allowing Hussein to head powerfully beyond diving goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to level the score at 1-1.
Haaland dominates
But that was the high point, with Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland scoring his first two World Cup goals and adding an assist in his tournament debut. It was the 56th and 57th international goals for the Manchester City striker, coming in Norway’s first appearance in the tournament since reaching the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup in France — two years before Haaland was born.
Haaland’s first goal came in the 29th minute, off a cross into the box from David Moller Wolfe which Haaland finished with his right heel. After Iraq equalised, Haaland put the Norwegians in front for good just before halftime in Boston when he snuck in front of a poor back pass to Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Haaland beat him to the ball, pre-empting his attempted clearance, and then used his shin to put the ball in the back of the net.
Leo Ostigard added the third goal in the 76th minute off a corner kick from Martin Odegaard before Kristian Thorstvedt scored a fourth just before the final whistle off Haaland’s assist.
