Like father, like son: Norway make World Cup history by fielding three sons of former players in a match
Massachusetts, June 17
It marked one of the rarest moments in football's history as Norway became the first team in FIFA World Cup to field three sons of former World Cup players in the same match, during the ongoing edition of the showpiece event in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Notably, Norway's Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt featured in the match against Iraq on Tuesday (local time), marking a historic moment. Remarkably, 32 years earlier, at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Norway had also fielded Alf-Inge Haaland (Erling Haaland's father), Goran Sorloth (Alexander Sorloth's father), and Erik Thorstvedt (Kristian Thorstvedt's father) together in their match against Italy on June 23, 1994.
Coming to Norway's match against Iraq on Tuesday, Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a brace as Norway secured a commanding 4-1 victory, overcoming a determined performance from their opponents.
The Manchester City striker scored twice, while goals from Leo Ostigard and an own goal by Iraq's Aymen Hussein sealed the win for Norway.
In the contest, Iraq started brightly and created better early chances, with Aymen Hussein heading over from close range before Ali Al Hamadi sent a shot high from distance.
Norway, however, took the lead in the 29th minute when Haaland was perfectly placed at the back post to finish a low cross from David Moller Wolfe.
The Iraqi side responded 10 minutes later as Hussein powered in a header from Amir Al Ammari's delivery, but Norway regained the advantage before half-time when Haaland pressed goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, forcing a mistake that resulted in the ball going into the net.
Despite Iraq missing several chances to level the score before the break, Norway held firm going into half-time.
The second half saw fewer clear opportunities, but Norway eventually extended their lead in the 76th minute when Ostigard headed in from a corner following Kristian Thorstvedt's effort.
Haaland nearly completed his hat-trick late on after intercepting a poor back pass, but Hassan made a quick save to deny him. However, the Norwegian striker still played a role in the final goal as his late header led to an unfortunate own goal by Hussein deep into stoppage time.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's amazing how history repeats itself in the most wonderful ways. As a fan from Canada, I'm just in awe of this family connection spanning generations. Haaland's performance was brutal—that second goal showed incredible football IQ!
What a moment for Norway! As a fellow football lover in India, I feel a bit jealous—we dream of such legacy in our cricket-obsessed nation. Haaland is like a machine on the field. But honestly, Iraq gave them a run for their money in the first half.
This is the kind of stat that makes football so special. Three sons of three former World Cup players, all playing together after 32 years—it's poetry. Haaland is clearly a generational talent, but let's not forget Sorloth and Thorstvedt's contribution too.
I'm just happy to see the World Cup back in full swing with moments like this. Haaland's brace was clinical, but credit to Iraq—they didn't roll over. Aymen Hussein's own goal was unfortunate but happens in football.
My only criticism is that Norway needs to play more as a team rather than relying solely on Haaland. But what a debut for him! Two goals and an assist-like impact is special. This father-son legacy is the stuff of World Cup folklore.
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