Norway Open With Authority as Iraq Wilt in Boston

Norway announced themselves at this World Cup with a performance of clarity and conviction, dispatching Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium to claim the early initiative in the group. The Scandinavians played with the assurance of a side certain of its identity, controlling the tempo from the opening exchanges and rarely allowing their opponents a foothold in the contest.

Iraq, by contrast, struggled to impose themselves once the game slipped from their grasp. There were spells in which they pressed forward with ambition, and their consolation goal offered a fleeting reminder of what they are capable of on better days. But the four conceded told the larger story: a defence pulled apart too often, and a midfield that could not stem the flow of Norwegian attacks.

The Boston crowd, swelled by a healthy contingent of travelling support, watched Norway grow into the match with each passing phase. Their movement off the ball was relentless, their transitions sharp, and the scoreline rarely felt in doubt once the lead was established. If there was a criticism, it was only that they might have eased off in the closing stages rather than pressing for further reward.

For Norway, it is the ideal beginning, three points secured and a statement made to the rest of the group. Iraq must now regroup quickly, for the margins at this level are unforgiving and a defeat of this nature leaves little room for recovery. The opening round has set its tone, and Norway sit comfortably at its summit.