Norway's clinical finishing proved decisive in a comprehensive 4–1 World Cup Group I victory over Iraq on 17 June. The visitors dominated the expected goals battle, accumulating 2.52 xG compared to Iraq's 0.8, and converted their chances with ruthless efficiency—five shots on target yielding four goals. Iraq, operating in a 4–4–2 setup, managed only one shot on target from 11 attempts, struggling to penetrate Norway's defence despite registering 0.8 xG. Norway's goalkeeper benefited from favourable finishing, as Iraq's expected goals conceded (0.6) suggested tighter margins than the scoreline reflected, though the hosts' shot conversion rate proved the decisive factor. Both sides attempted 12 shots, but the gulf in accuracy and clinical finishing separated the teams decisively. This emphatic victory positions Norway strongly in Group I's early stages.