World Cup: Ajer’s Norway begin campaign with emphatic win over Iraq | OneFootball

Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer impressed on his World Cup debut, helping Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I fixture.

Erling Haaland gave Norway the lead before half-time at Boston Stadium. Aymen Hussein equalised, but a Haaland deflection, a late header from Leo Østigård and an own goal secured victory for Ståle Solbakken’s side on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

The deadlock was broken less than a minute after the first-half hydration break, when David Møller Wolfe’s low cross from the left was converted by Haaland at the far post.

Iraq levelled six minutes before the break when Hussein met Amir Al-Ammari’s cross with a powerful header.

Norway restored their advantage shortly afterwards as Haaland closed down goalkeeper Jalal Hassan’s attempted clearance and the ball rebounded into the net.

Iraq threatened again before half-time, but Ajer made a crucial intervention to deny Al-Hamadi when he was in on goal.

Substitute Leo Østigård extended Norway’s lead with a header from Martin Ødegaard’s corner.

Ajer was involved in Norway’s fourth goal in stoppage-time. The Bees defender floated a delivery to the back post, which Haaland headed back across goal, and Kristian Thorstvedt's flick was inadvertently turned in by Hussein.