Iraq vs Norway Prediction: Haaland to start his Golden Boot campaign strongly

Norway have waited 28 years for their return to the biggest stage of all. They begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Iraq in Group I at the Gillette Stadium on Tuesday (6pm local/11pm BST, BBC One).

Iraq have had to wait even longer, with 1986 the last time they reached the finals. Below you'll find my Iraq vs Norway predictions, aided by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Iraq captain Jalal Hassan is set to earn his 103rd cap between the sticks, and the veteran is likely going to be given a big task against an in-form Norway side.

Zaid Tahseen and Rebin Sulak are expected to shield the goalkeeper as the centre-back pairing. Former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal is likely to operate in the middle of the park.

Ipswich Town's Ali Al-Hamadi may be given the nod to lead the line for the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Norway's attack will be spearheaded by goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland, and he may be supported by Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.

Martin Odegaard and Sander Berge will try and run the show from midfield.

Iraq vs Norway Odds

Iraq have won two of their last four matches and they are 14/1 to seal their first victory at the World Cup finals.

The Lions of Mesopotamia recently drew with Spain in a friendly and the stalemate here can be backed at 11/2.

Betfred have Norway as the 1/5 favourites to come away with the three points.

Haaland's the favourite to score first at 6/4.

Sub Switch - Pre-match Bet Builder and Single bets on qualifying Player selections.

Away Team Total Goals - Over 3.5 @ 9/4

There is a lot of excitement about this Norway side at the World Cup and I think they'll start off by laying down a marker against Iraq. Stale Sobakken's side were very impressive in qualifying as they won all eight of their matches, scoring 37 goals in the process.

With the attacking resources that they have, I'm backing them to score at least four times on Tuesday at 9/4, which has an implied probability of 30.8%. This has been a winning selection in four of the Lovene's past five competitive games and I believe this trend will continue in Foxborough.

Player To Score Two Or More Goals - Erling Haaland @ 6/4

Haaland scored 16 of Norway's goals in qualifying and his talents in front of goal have been consistent for several years. He's his nation's all-time top scorer and now it's a case of putting the record out of reach for future players to break.

I think both he and his side will start their World Cup campaign strongly and I fancy him to bag a brace against Iraq. The striker has managed this feat in each of his previous four competitive appearances for his country.