Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was the toast of Norway on Tuesday night as his brace helped his nation beat Iraq 4-1 in Boston in their first World Cup match in 28 years.
Just before the half hour mark, Haaland made his mark as he slid in at the back post to convert David Moller Wolfe's low cross. Ten minutes later, Iraq threatened to tear up the script as Ayman Hussein rose highest to power his header in.
But on the stroke of half time, the Middle East country were the architects of their own downfall when goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was too casual in possession with his clearance hunted down and deflected in by Haaland.
Norway finished the job in the second half. Full-back Leo Ostigard made it three before deep in stoppage time, Haaland had a hand in his country's fourth that was eventually judged a Hussein own goal.
The night understandably belonged to Haaland and after being widely criticised by his own country's media following a warm-up game against Morocco, he was hailed as the key man against Iraq. In their player ratings, Dagbladet handed Haaland an eight out of 10.
"Norway's best player by far," they wrote. "Scored two goals. Certain involvements made the US gape last night. Was like a wild animal that escaped from a cage in the first half."
The praise continued from TV2. Describing him as a 'hurricane', they wrote: "Where others get nervous, Haaland seems to grow with the occasion. From the historic moment, from the floodlights and the knowledge that the build-up to this match has been going on for 28 years. The road to here has been so infinitely long.
"Haaland knows that. And he knows that they are here largely because of him. He knows he has earned this moment, deserved to carry the dreams, hopes and expectations of an entire nation on his shoulders. He thrives with the extra pressure, with the knowledge that he is the one who must play the main role if this summer is to be the adventure all of Norway is longing for."
Reflecting on his own performance, Haaland told Norwegian tabloid VG: "It's great to debut at the World Cup and score two goals and win the game. I'm super happy. It was fun."
Next up for Norway is a clash with Senegal in the early hours of Tuesday morning in New Jersey. Senegal lost their opening Group I clash against France 3-1 at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night.
