Haaland keeps promise with double on World Cup debut

"No more waiting," Norway striker Erling Haaland posted on X ahead of his team's World Cup clash against Iraq.

It proved to be a promise kept on the pitch on Tuesday night at Boston Stadium.

The 25-year-old scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway won 4-1, in the country's first appearance at the finals after a 28-year absence.

The striker, who was not even born when his father Alf-Inge represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup, delivered a performance that justified years of anticipation and hope.

"We were expected to win and we won fortunately. Now everybody in Norway will be happy and I hope people will party," Haaland said after the match.

For Haaland, this moment has been years in the making. "Ever since I made my [international] debut in 2019, my big goal has been to get Norway to a World Cup and Euros," Haaland once said. "It's a lot of pressure on me but I like the pressure."

Before kickoff, Haaland had posted a picture on social media of Norway's squad dressed in Viking warrior attire against a fjord backdrop, along with video footage of his father wearing the Norway jersey at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

"A dream 28 years in the making... let's do this!" he wrote.

Haaland made good on every word on Tuesday. He opened his World Cup scoring account in the 29th minute, tapping in a low cross at the far post with his left foot. After Iraq leveled 10 minutes later, Haaland responded quickly. In the 43rd minute, he put relentless pressure on goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, whose attempted clearance cannoned off Haaland's shin and into the net.

Haaland also came close to completing a hat trick, and his late shot forced an own goal that helped Norway seal the 4-1 victory.

"You could see that he liked the occasion and he lived up to the occasion," Norway manager Stale Solbakken said. "The occasion wasn't too big for him."

The coach had sensed it coming. "I had a good feeling before the game. The last two training sessions with him have been very, very good, so I had a quite comfortable feeling that he would do it for us today."

Iraq coach Graham Arnold praised Haaland, saying, "He's just an amazing number nine, one of the best I've ever seen. What he's done at the top level says enough - he's so strong, quick and lethal."

Norway will face Senegal on June 22. Asked if he can sustain the momentum as the tournament progresses, Haaland's focus remained fixed on the next challenge. "Yeah, of course, I will try. It's about continuing and not thinking too much. It's difficult at this stage, but I will focus on the next game and be happy. I'll stay calm," he said.

For Norway, the long wait is over, and Haaland is ready to lead the team on a journey that is far from finished.