Norway secures victory, but the dominance fails to impress

Norway arrived at Gillette Stadium under pressure to be the favorite, and although they finished the match with 61% possession, their control of the game was more apparent than effective. With 12 total shots, they barely outperformed Iraq, who made 11 attempts. The possession difference was 22 percentage points, but the result does not reflect an overwhelming dominance.

The first half showed a Norwegian team that, despite its ball control, allowed Iraq to remain in the match. Goals from Erling Haaland in the 29th and 43rd minutes seemed to provide comfort, but Aymen Hussein's strike in the 39th minute reminded Norway that victory was not guaranteed.

Erling Haaland was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, scoring two goals and earning the highest rating of the game (8.2). His first goal came from an assist by David Møller Wolfe, and the second was a strike that clearly demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net, even in a game that wasn't entirely fluid for his team.

Haaland not only contributed to the scoreline; his presence in the opposing area was constant, forcing the Iraqi defense to remain alert. His performance could be a key factor in upcoming matches, but the dependence on his goals raises doubts about Norway's attacking depth.

Despite the defeat, Iraq showed glimpses of quality, particularly in Aymen Hussein's goal, who, with a precise shot, proved that the team did not easily give up. His goal, assisted by A. Al Ammari, came at a critical moment and gave Iraq hope that they could compete.

The defensive effort from the Iraqi team was notable, although in the end it wasn't enough to contain the Norwegian onslaught. However, their ability to create opportunities, despite having lesser ball control, suggests they could put up a fight in upcoming matches.

With this victory, Norway positions itself in second place in Group I with 6 points, while Iraq sits at the bottom of the table with no points. Qualification for the next round is complicated for Iraq, which will need to face its upcoming rivals with urgency to score.

Norway's victory is a relief, but also a wake-up call: the performance in this match left doubts about their ability to advance in the tournament. While Haaland shines, the team needs to improve to face the stronger rivals that lie ahead.