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, Reuters reported. 

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.