Norway’s High Press: Martin Ødegaard led Norway’s aggressive pressing structure, forcing Iraq into rushed clearances and mistakes. Haaland’s second goal came directly from sustained pressure on Iraq’s build-up.

Wide Overloads: Norway repeatedly attacked through David Møller Wolfe and Julian Ryerson. Their overlapping runs created numerical advantages and opened crossing opportunities for Haaland and Sørloth.

Iraq’s Counter-Attacking Threat: Iraq remained disciplined in a compact 4-4-2 shape. Ali Jasim and Amir Al-Ammari looked to transition quickly and found success with Aymen Hussein’s equaliser.

Set-Piece Dominance: Norway’s physical superiority became decisive late in the game. Leo Østigård’s powerful header from an Ødegaard delivery underlined Iraq’s struggles defending aerial situations.

Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan

Defenders: Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski

Midfielders: Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Zaid Ismael, Ali Jasim

Forwards: Ali Al-Hamadi, Aymen Hussein

Approach: Iraq defended in a compact mid-block and attempted to exploit Norway’s advanced fullbacks through rapid transitions.

Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland

Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes

Forwards: Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa

Approach: Norway dominated possession, pressed aggressively and created overloads on the flanks to supply Haaland and Sørloth.

⭐ Erling Haaland: Two goals, relentless movement and constant danger inside the penalty area.

⭐ Martin Ødegaard: Controlled the game’s tempo and assisted Østigård’s goal.

⭐ David Møller Wolfe: Excellent attacking support from left-back and provided the assist for the opening goal.

⭐ Leo Østigård: Changed the game after coming off the bench and sealed victory with a towering header.

⭐ Aymen Hussein: Iraq’s standout performer despite the late own goal, scoring their only goal and leading the line admirably.

Midfield Supremacy: Norway’s midfield trio completely controlled the rhythm of the game. Ødegaard consistently found pockets of space between Iraq’s midfield and defensive lines, allowing Norway to maintain possession and create overloads in advanced areas.

Wide Areas Were Decisive: Iraq struggled to contain the attacking runs of Møller Wolfe and Ryerson. Their overlapping movement repeatedly forced Iraq’s wide midfielders into deeper positions, limiting the effectiveness of counterattacks.

Haaland’s Elite Finishing: While Norway generated several dangerous attacks, Haaland’s ability to convert chances made the difference. His movement inside the penalty area constantly unsettled Iraq’s centre-backs and created opportunities for teammates.

Iraq’s Defensive Fatigue: Iraq remained competitive for over an hour but gradually lost defensive compactness. As gaps appeared between the lines, Norway exploited the spaces with quick combinations and dangerous set-piece deliveries.