· 2 min readIn this Iraq vs Norway match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
It was a match with a clear context: for Norway, it wasn’t just about winning, it was mandatory. In a group like this, any slip-up against Iraq could prove costly later on. And that pressure was noticeable, though not in the cleanest way possible.
Norway started with more possession, as expected, but with some strange ideas. Sørloth was stuck out on the right, very wide, something that still doesn’t make much sense. Even so, the team managed to create an attacking presence, largely through physicality and width.
The first real warning came early, with Haaland getting in front of his marker, driving to the byline and putting the ball into the box, but straight at Jalal Hassan.
Iraq, without fear, also showed some signs of threat. Ali Al-Hamadi tried his luck from distance, but without accuracy. They weren’t a team simply defending; they tried to come forward whenever possible, mainly through the flanks.
The game gradually became more controlled by Norway and the goal arrived naturally. In the 29th minute, a well-worked move down the left saw Nusa hold the ball before releasing Wolfe, who delivered a low cross. Haaland arrived exactly as he knows how to, attacking the space and tapping in. Simple, effective. His first World Cup goal, and it felt like the game was about to open up.
But Iraq responded, and they responded well. In the 39th minute, everything started with Ali Jasim, who completely outplayed Ryerson on the left. He created space, waited for the right moment and found Amir Al-Ammari near the byline. With time and quality, the cross came in and Aymen Hussein rose in the middle to head home. 1-1.
The equaliser didn’t last long, and this is where the cruel side of football appeared. In the 43rd minute, a clear mistake from Zaid Tahseen, a weak and underhit back pass. Haaland read it before anyone else, burst forward, beat the goalkeeper to the ball and finished calmly. A gift handed to him and taken without hesitation.
The second half saw the tempo drop considerably. Norway looked comfortable with the lead and Iraq no longer had the same energy. There was more control than intent, more game management than an active search for another goal.
The match drifted until Norway finally killed it from a set piece. In the 76th minute, a rehearsed routine ended with a cross into the box. Haaland and Østigård attacked from deep, the defence lost track of their markers and Østigård appeared unmarked to head home. Another goal that highlighted the physical difference. 1-3.
From there, it was complete control. Norway lowered the tempo, kept possession and showed little urgency. Iraq still tried to push forward, but without the quality needed to cause real problems.
Then, deep into stoppage time at 90+6’, a ball into the box created confusion, ricochets and rebounds before Thorstvedt bundled it over the line. It may even have gone down as an own goal. A strange sequence, but one that counted and sealed the result.
Post-match
Norway get the job done and collect three important points, but they do not impress.
Iraq showed more than expected at times, especially in the first half, but lacked the consistency to sustain their level throughout the game. In the end, it remains a limited side.
