Iraq
Norway
Team Overview
Iraq faced Venezuela in their latest friendly match, where they suffered a 0-2 defeat at home. This loss continues a challenging period for Iraq as they seek to build momentum ahead of their upcoming World Cup fixture.
Team Overview
Norway played to a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their latest friendly match. This result adds to their mixed form as they gear up for their World Cup clash with Iraq.
Match statistics (Morocco vs Norway):
In a commanding performance, Norway triumphed over Iraq with a score of 4-1 in their World Cup group stage match. Despite a spirited effort from the home side, Norway's clinical finishing proved decisive.
The match began with Norway asserting their dominance, as Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from D. Wolfe. Iraq responded well, equalizing just ten minutes later through A. Hussein, who found the net after a clever setup from A. Al Ammari. However, Haaland struck again just before halftime, restoring Norway's lead with his second goal.
Norway continued to control the game, boasting 61% possession and registering five shots on target compared to Iraq's solitary effort. The away team extended their lead in the 76th minute when L. Ostigard scored, assisted by M. Odegaard. Iraq's attempts to rally were hampered by a yellow card issued to Z. Tahseen late in the game.
In the dying moments, A. Hussein inadvertently scored an own goal, sealing a disappointing result for Iraq. With 11 total shots against Norway's 12, the home side showed resilience but ultimately lacked the finishing prowess needed to secure points in their World Cup debut.
Iraq has struggled in their recent matches, managing only 1 win in their last 5 games, with a total of 4 goals scored and 5 conceded. Their last match ended in a 0-2 defeat against Venezuela. In contrast, Norway has shown stronger form, scoring 9 goals in their last 5 matches while conceding only 5, including a recent 3-1 victory over Sweden.
In terms of goal-scoring, Iraq averages 0.8 goals per game over their last 5 matches, while Norway averages 1.8 goals per game. Additionally, Iraq's defensive record shows they concede an average of 1 goal per game, whereas Norway has a slightly better defensive record with 1 goal conceded per game. This indicates that Norway has a more potent attack and a more reliable defense heading into this match.
J. Hassan
G
H. Ali
D
I. Bayesh
M
A. Al Hamadi
F
M. Younis
D
A. Qasem
M
R. Sulaka
D
A. Maknzi
D
K. Yakob
M
A. Sher
M
A. Hussein
F
O. Nyland
G
J. Ryerson
D
K. Ajer
D
T. Heggem
D
D. Wolfe
D
M. Odegaard
M
S. Berge
M
F. Aursnes
M
A. Sorloth
F
E. Haaland
F
A. Nusa
F
