Norway’s definitive cushion finally arrived in the 76th minute, courtesy of a lethal set-piece routine.
Martin Ødegaard curled a perfectly weighted corner into the heart of the penalty area, allowing Leo Østigård to rise unimpeded above the Iraqi defense and power a ferocious header into the roof of the net.
The strike extended the lead to 3–1, effectively putting the contest well beyond Iraq’s reach.
With the points secured, the final whistle began to feel like a formality as Norway completely dominated the closing stages.
Erling Haaland came agonizingly close to sealing his hat-trick, only to be denied by a sharp, redemptive save from goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.
Kristian Thorstvedt also squandered a late opportunity to worsen the damage, failing to keep his effort on target before the match drew to a close.
