Iraq ends 40-year World Cup scoring drought but loses to Norway with own goal

KIRKUK, Iraq — Iraq scored its first World Cup goal in 40 years but lost 2-1 to Norway in Boston on Saturday, conceding a late own goal from forward Ayman Hussein. In the 39th minute, Hussein headed in a cross from Amir El-Ammari to end a drought stretching back to Ahmed Radi's goal against Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The 30-year-old striker, who previously scored in Iraq's playoff win over Bolivia to qualify for the tournament, has faced personal hardship, including the loss of his father in Kirkuk in 2008 and the abduction of his brother. In stoppage time, he attempted to clear a header from Norway's Erling Haaland but redirected the ball into his own net, sealing the result. Hussein's own goal made him the fourth player to score into his own net at this World Cup, following Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla against the United States, Switzerland's Miro Muheim against Qatar and Egypt's Mohamed Hany against Belgium. Iraq will next face group-stage opponents France and Senegal.