Zlatan Ibrahimovic Praises Erling Haaland After Norway’s Victory Over Iraq
Erling Haaland scored two goals to lead Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq at Boston Stadium, according to match reports and Fox Sports commentary. The 25-year-old striker’s performance helped Norway secure a halftime lead of 2-1 after Iraq capitalized on a scoring opportunity to temporarily level the match.
Why did Erling Haaland’s performance draw attention?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, acting as an expert for Fox Sports, highlighted Haaland’s ability to adapt his game during the match. Ibrahimovic, 44, stated that Haaland followed his advice to transform from a “viking” into a “lion.”

Regarding one of the goals, Ibrahimovic noted that while it resulted from a goalkeeper’s mistake, it remained a “good goal.” He previously told the Fox Sports studio that he expects a high volume of goals from Haaland if the striker intends to reach “the lion’s level.”
What are Norway’s prospects in the World Cup?
Ibrahimovic believes Norway could advance significantly in the tournament due to the presence of stars like Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. He stated in the Fox Sports broadcast that the team can “go far” if they maintain momentum.
However, Ibrahimovic noted that skill alone may not be sufficient, adding that the team will also need “a little luck,” which he described as a standard part of the game.
What happens next for the Norwegian team?
Norway is scheduled to play Senegal in their next World Cup fixture. The team may look to leverage their current momentum and the scoring form of Haaland to secure another result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Norway vs. Iraq match?
Norway won the match 4-1.
Who provided the commentary on Erling Haaland’s performance?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided analysis as an expert in the Fox Sports broadcast.
Who is Norway’s next opponent in the World Cup?
Norway’s next match is against Senegal.
Do you think Norway has the momentum necessary to advance deep into the World Cup?