[World Cup] Norway overwhelms Iraq 4-1! A complete victory secured by the explosion of absolute ace Haaland and overwhelming game control
In the clash between Iraq and Norway on the grand stage of the World Cup, the Nordic powerhouse Norway showcased its destructive attacking prowess, defeating Iraq 4-1.
Analyzing the match stats reveals a clear picture: Norway maintained high possession throughout, controlling the pitch and completely tearing apart Iraq's defensive organization. We look back at Norway's impressive goal rush, which gave the Asian dark horse Iraq no room to counter.
1. Possession and Passwork: Norway's overwhelming game management vs. Iraq's defensive battle
Iraq adopted a 4-4-2 formation, while Norway used a 4-3-3, leading to intense matchups from midfield to the front line.
Ball Possession: Iraq 39% vs 61% Norway
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): Iraq 271 (81%) vs 477 (89%) Norway
Passes in the Attacking Third: Iraq 46 (61%) vs 74 (73%) Norway
Touches in the Opponent's Box: Iraq 18 vs 25 Norway
Norway completely dominated the game, recording 61% possession and 477 accurate passes (89% success rate). They consistently delivered the ball into the attacking third and showcased sharp breakdown play, surpassing Iraq in touches inside the opponent's box (25 vs 18). Iraq attempted to break through with efficient long balls (22 successful), but their time in control was limited against Norway's dense passwork.
2. Number and Quality of Scoring Chances: The overwhelming destructive power indicated by an xG of '0.80 vs 2.52'
The stats in the final phase of the attack tell the story of how Norway consistently created high-quality scoring chances to overwhelm Iraq.
Total Shots: Iraq 11 (1 on target) vs 12 (5 on target) Norway
Shots in the Penalty Area: Iraq 8 vs 11 Norway
Big Chances: Iraq 1 vs 5 Norway
Expected Goals (xG): Iraq 0.80 vs 2.52 Norway
xG Open Play: Iraq 0.57 vs 1.99 Norway
xG Set Pieces: Iraq 0.23 vs 0.53 Norway
While the total number of shots (11 vs 12) does not seem to show a large difference, the quality of those shots is contrasting. Norway created as many as 5 big chances and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 2.52. In particular, the xG from open play was 1.99, proving the extremely high precision of their organized breakdown play. On the other hand, Iraq was held to just one shot on target, lacking finishing power in their attack.
3. Iraq's ground game vs. Norway's dominance in the air
In terms of intensity in individual duels, it became a compelling physical battle where each team's strong points clashed.
Duel Wins: Iraq 52 (52%) vs 48 (48%) Norway
Ground Duel Wins: Iraq 42 (58%) vs 31 (42%) Norway
Aerial Duel Wins: Iraq 10 (37%) vs 17 (63%) Norway
Tackles: Iraq 19 vs 15 Norway
In total duel wins, Iraq showed their pride with 52 vs 48, countering Norway with intense chasing in ground battles (58% ground duel win rate, 19 tackles). However, Norway utilized their boasted physicality to completely dominate the air with a 63% aerial duel win rate (17 wins). They cleared away Iraq's high balls and demonstrated overwhelming strength as a reference point in the front line.
4. The monster Haaland who hit an otherworldly rating, and Iraq's prideful spear
Looking at individual ratings, the talents who performed decisive work at the front line received high numbers.
[Norway]
No. 9 Haaland: Rating 9.2 ★ (Scored a stunning 2 goals and reigned as the absolute heavy tank at the front. Selected as MOM without objection)
No. 8 Berge: Rating 7.6 (Acted as a filter at the base of the midfield and controlled the game with high intensity)
No. 10 Ødegaard: Rating 7.5 (Recorded 1 assist with excellent sharpness. Wielded the baton of distribution as captain)
No. 26 Ryerson: Rating 7.5 (Provided tenacious defense and attacking momentum from the right back position)
No. 5 Møller Wolfe: Rating 7.3 (Showed bold overlapping from left back and recorded a valuable assist)
[Iraq]
No. 9 Al Hamadi: Rating 7.0 (Used his body well at the front and showed a good performance as a reference point for the attack)
No. 16 Al-Ammari: Rating 6.9 (Provided a prideful assist from midfield and managed the setup to strike back)
No. 18 Hussein: Rating 6.2 (Sure-footedly capitalized on a one-chance opportunity, scoring the team's only goal and showing their pride)
[Editor's Column] The monster's quality explodes. Norway's complete victory that gave no room for entry
Although the number of shots was close, as indicated by the number of big chances (5) and expected goals (2.52), it was a 90-minute period where the quality of Norway's decisive phases overwhelmed Iraq throughout.
For Iraq, although they fought hard in ground battles (58% win rate) and showed pride with Hussein's goal, their defensive line was shaken by Norway's accurate passwork (89% success rate), and they could not prevent the collapse in front of the goal. On the other hand, Norway's ace Haaland scored 2 goals as expected, and they proved the high level of perfection of their pass football centered on Ødegaard. It was a victory of wonderful quality that secured 3 points quite naturally and provided great momentum toward advancing to the knockout stage.
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