From tragedy to World Cup history – Iraq scorer Hussein’s storyFigure caption, Hussein makes it 1-1 against NorwayByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sport journalistPublished38 minutes agoThe scoreline told one story, but Aymen Hussein has another to tell.He was on the losing side as Iraq suffered a 4-1 defeat by Norway in their World Cup opener, yet the prolific striker made his mark on football’s biggest stage.
Hussein’s superb header in the 39th minute cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener and gave the Iraq supporters a moment to cherish on the country’s return to the tournament after 40 years.
Though it ultimately proved only a consolation – and was later offset by his own goal – it was still just Iraq’s second-ever World Cup finals goal.
“He’s that type of player who is very difficult to control in the box and I’m very happy and proud of him,” stated Iraq head coach Graham Arnold.
And yet Hussein’s journey to the World Cup is one that could easily have taken a different turn.
