Erling Haaland’s double against Iraq was about more than three points. It was a reminder that Norway finally has a player capable of changing their World Cup story.
For years, Norway has been a team people liked on paper.
There was always talent somewhere in the squad. Good players would emerge, excitement would build and then, somehow, a major tournament would pass without Norway being part of it. That is why this World Cup feels different.
The Norwegian Vikings arrived in North America carrying the hopes of a country that has waited 28 years to see its national team back on football’s biggest stage. They also arrived with something previous Norwegian generations never had.
They arrived with Erling Haaland.
Erling Haaland scores against Iraq (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Against Iraq, the Manchester City striker scored twice in a 4-1 victory that sent Norway to the top of Group I. More importantly, he showed exactly why this Norwegian side might be capable of going further than many expect.
The difference-maker Norway have been waiting for
International football can be brutally simple at times. Tactics matter. Possession matters. And momentum matters too. But when tournament football becomes tense and opportunities become scarce, matches are often decided by the player who can produce something special in a single moment.
Norway finally has that player.
Haaland’s first goal arrived after a patient move that stretched Iraq’s defence. His second came from anticipation and quick thinking after a mistake at the back. They were different goals, but both highlighted the same thing. When an opportunity appeared, Haaland took it. That might sound obvious. It is not.
World Cups are filled with talented teams that create chances but fail to take them. The teams that progress usually have someone who can turn half-chances into goals.
Against Iraq, Haaland looked like that player.
More pressure, more expectation
The challenge for Norway was never going to be beating Iraq. The expectation before kick-off was that they would win. The real question was how they would handle being favourites on a stage they have not experienced for nearly three decades.
At times, Iraq made things uncomfortable.
Aymen Hussein’s excellent header brought the Lions of Mesopotamia level and briefly shifted the momentum of the game. Suddenly, Norway was facing the possibility of frustration and nerves.
That was the moment when leaders needed to step forward. And Haaland did exactly that. His second goal before half-time restored control and allowed Norway to play the second half on their terms. By the time Leo Østigård added a third from a corner, the outcome felt settled.
Leo Ostigard scores for Norway (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
The scoreline may say 4-1. The turning point came much earlier.
Norway can dream a little bigger
No one should get carried away after one group-stage match. There will be tougher tests ahead. France and Senegal will ask different questions. Stronger defenses will not leave as much space. Chances will be harder to find.
But still Norway left their opening match with something valuable. Belief.
Martin Ødegaard controlled possession. Antonio Nusa looked dangerous. Alexander Sørloth worked tirelessly alongside Haaland. There is quality throughout this squad. But what makes this team feel different is the player leading the line.
For years, Norway’s conversations before major tournaments were about what might have been. About the generations that never quite got there. Now they have a striker feared by defenders across Europe and respected by every team in this competition.
That does not guarantee success. But it still gives Norway something they have not had for a very long time. A genuine reason to believe that this World Cup could become something special.