- 1 Iraq – Norway: Huge opening-night test for Group I in Boston
- 2 Iraq up against the world elite
- 3 Erling Haaland’s Norway want to strike hard from the start
- 4 Probable line-ups
- 5 World Cup Prediction Iraq vs Norway
- 6 Before anything else, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Iraq – Norway: Huge opening-night test for Group I in Boston 
Boston Stadium opens its doors on Tuesday night for the second Group I match at the World Cup. Iraq take on Norway in a clash that already feels massive for the rest of the tournament. For Iraq, this historic return to the global stage after 40 years away is a huge ask. Up against a Scandinavian side in full flow, Iraq will need something close to a miracle to shake up the pecking order.
Iraq up against the world elite 
For this long-awaited return, Iraq arrive with a brave squad led by Graham Arnold. Captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is set to earn his 103rd cap and will have his hands full. At the back, Iraq will lean on the Tahseen-Sulaka partnership to try to withstand the pressure. The midfield must work overtime, with Amir Al-Ammari’s energy vital to protect the shape. Going forward, much of Iraq’s threat rests on the quality of Zidane Iqbal and the finishing touch of Aymen Hussein. Iraqi fans are dreaming of a first-ever point on this huge stage. Above all, the midfielders will be looking to shut the spaces down and avoid being overwhelmed early. A decent result would completely revive Iraq’s qualification hopes. The whole country is behind them. Iraq wants to believe its luck is in.
Erling Haaland’s Norway want to strike hard from the start 
Norway, meanwhile, come into the finals with serious ambition after producing a near-perfect qualifying campaign in Europe, collecting the maximum 24 points. Stale Solbakken’s men arrive boasting one of the most frightening attacks in world football. Led by skipper and chief playmaker Martin Odegaard in midfield, the Scandinavians will look to bully opponents with their power and pace. Up front, the cyborg-like Erling Haaland will line up alongside Alexander Sorloth and rising talent Antonio Nusa, forming a dangerous trio capable of ripping apart any defence.
Probable line-ups
Iraq : Hassan ; Ali, Tahseen, Sulaka, Doski ; Al-Ammari, Iqbal ; Bayesh, Jasim, Al-Hamadi ; Hussein
Norway : Nyland ; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe ; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes ; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
on MathODDS
World Cup Prediction Iraq vs Norway
Norway to win by 2 goals or more
This one looks heavily one-sided, with Iraq stepping into the very top level for the first time and Norway surging forward with real confidence. The Norwegians were ruthless in qualifying, scoring 37 goals. The link-up between Martin Odegaard’s vision and Erling Haaland’s devastating runs should quickly create clear chances against an Asian back line not used to this kind of tempo.
Iraq’s build-up has been patchy, too, with a predictable 2-0 loss to Venezuela among the warning signs. The squad’s lack of experience against leading European sides could tell within minutes. Faced with the high press and physical edge Sander Berge and the Norwegian forwards will bring, Graham Arnold’s defence may end up on the back foot and give way more than once. A comfortable, controlled win for the Scandinavians is strongly expected in Boston.
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