Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut with a brilliant two-goal performance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match on Tuesday.

The prolific Manchester City striker wasted little time announcing his arrival on football’s biggest stage, opening the scoring after 29 minutes when he converted a low cross from David Møller Wolfe. The goal was Haaland’s first at a World Cup and came in his maiden appearance at the tournament.

Norway’s lead was briefly cancelled out when Iraq captain Aymed Hussein rose highest to head home an equaliser. However, the Scandinavian side quickly regained control, with Haaland punishing a costly error from goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. The Iraqi shot-stopper attempted to play out from the back but was dispossessed by the alert forward, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net.

Kristian Thorstvedt added Norway’s fourth goal in the closing stages, with Haaland providing the assist to cap an outstanding individual display.

The 25-year-old’s World Cup debut had been years in the making. Despite establishing himself as one of world football’s most feared strikers and winning multiple major honours with Manchester City, Haaland had never previously appeared at the tournament due to Norway’s failure to qualify since 1998.

His two goals against Iraq further strengthened his status as Norway’s all-time leading scorer, taking his international tally to 57 goals. The brace also saw him match Norway’s record for most goals scored at a World Cup.

Norway will continue their Group I campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on June 22 before facing France on June 26.

For Iraq, appearing at the World Cup for only the second time in their history and first since 1986, the result was disappointing despite spirited support from their travelling fans and a competitive performance for much of the match.