Norway makes their World Cup debut on Tuesday against Iraq, meaning that also Manchester City star Erling Haaland makes his World Cup debut as the Norwegians are back in the tournament for the first time since 1998 when they were knocked out in the tound of 16. For Haaland and his teammates, this is a key moment in their careers after dominating the qualification group and knocking out Italy, the four-time champions. Haaland's numbers are remarkable. He is Norway's all-time leading scorer, with 55 goals in just 50 appearances. He has scored at least one goal in 32 of 50 international matches and netted 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying games. He also became the fastest player in international soccer history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in only 46 matches. However, the World Cup is another story and this is why he needs to show his skills at the highest level of international soccer to confirm his status.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken spoke about the Manchester City striker and said:, "Hopefully he will have a very big impact. He is our goalscorer. I think he is the world's best goalscorer. Physically he is fit. He was given a little break towards the end of the season, one game by Man City and one game by me. I think gradually he has played better and better in training here. I think he is very much wanting to be in this opportunity. Hopefully we can continue to give him chances. And if you give him chances, he has a tendency to score."
How to watch Iraq vs. Norway
Date: Tuesday, June 16 | Time: 6 p.m. ET Location: Gillette Stadium -- Foxborough, Mass. TV: FOX (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free) Odds: Iraq +1283; Draw +592; Norway -508
Keep up with the World Cup standings here!
Iraq vs. Norway predicted starting lineups
Iraq: Jalal Hassan; Frans Putros, Rebin Sulaka, Merchas Doski, Hussein Ali; Ali Jasim, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh, Youssef Amyn; Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi
Norway: Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigård, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen; Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth
Iraq vs. Norway pick, prediction
Despite Monday's big surprises, especially the one of Cabo Verde drawing against Spain, Norway are expected to win against Iraq and bring home the first three points of the tournament. Pick: Norway 2, Iraq 0.
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