Iraq striker Aymen Hussein overcame a turbulent build-up to the FIFA World Cup to write his name into his country’s football history books on Tuesday, scoring only Iraq’s second-ever World Cup goal despite a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening Group I clash at Gillette Stadium.
The 29-year-old forward, whose participation in the tournament was briefly thrown into doubt after he was detained for several hours by U.S. customs officials earlier this month, delivered a memorable moment for Iraqi fans when he found the net against the Scandinavian side.
Hussein and another member of Iraq’s travelling delegation were delayed while entering the United States through Chicago, raising concerns about whether the striker would be available for the country’s first World Cup appearance in four decades. However, the prolific frontman recovered from the setback to make a historic impact on football’s biggest stage.
Norway took control of the match in the 29th minute when star striker Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a well-taken finish. But Iraq responded nine minutes later through Hussein, who sparked jubilant celebrations among thousands of Iraqi supporters inside the stadium.
The equaliser came after Amir Alammari delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank that evaded Norway’s defence. Hussein rose highest to meet the ball with a powerful header that bounced beneath goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and into the net.
The goal was a landmark moment for Iraq, which is competing in only its second FIFA World Cup and its first since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Despite the eventual defeat, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold reserved special praise for Hussein, choosing to focus on his determination and overall contribution rather than the unfortunate late own goal that compounded his side’s defeat.
“I’d rather remember his performance and the way he’s played,” Arnold said after the match. “He’s had quite a few injuries during the season. For him to get through 90 minutes. … He’s the type of player that’s very difficult to control in the box. I’m very proud of him.”
Hussein’s teammates also rallied around the striker, recognising the significance of his achievement despite the disappointing result.
“It’s a proud moment for him,” defender Hussein Ali said. “But, of course, the end result, it’s hard to celebrate a goal like that. But we’re on to the next game.”
The match marked a significant milestone for Iraqi football, with supporters travelling from across the United States and beyond to witness the country’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.
Away from the pitch, Arnold sought to downplay concerns surrounding the customs incident that briefly overshadowed the team’s preparations. The Australian coach praised both FIFA and tournament organisers for the treatment his squad has received since arriving in the United States.
“FIFA, even the U.S., it’s not about politics — it’s about football,” Arnold said. “The way we’ve been treated has been first class.”
While disappointed by the final scoreline, Arnold expressed confidence that his side could take valuable lessons from the performance as they prepare for a daunting encounter against France in Philadelphia next week.
“I was very proud of the first 65-70 minutes,” Arnold said. “A couple of mistakes of players this type of level will always punish you. So we need to learn lessons from these mistakes.”
Iraq now turn their attention to the challenge of facing World Cup heavyweights France, hoping to build on the positive aspects of their display against Norway and continue their quest to make an impact on their long-awaited return to football’s grandest stage.
AP
