Pakistan, June 18 -- Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland bagged two goals in his maiden World Cup appearance on Tuesday to guide his team to an opening 4-1 Group I victory over Iraq, and put down a marker for the tournament.

The 25-year-old, one of the most exciting forwards in world football, was in the spotlight long before the match, and he lived up to his big-name billing on his debut on the biggest of stages, as Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

After a cautious start, Haaland, who scored ?16 times in eight qualifying games, double the tally of anyone else in Europe, opened his World Cup goal account in ?the 29th minute, beating his markers and stabbing in a David Moller Wolfe low cross at the far post....