In a winner take all battle for a quarterfinal berth, Australia defeated Norway 2-1 in a tense Group D match in Leverkusen. And it was the scoring touch of Kyah Simon that produced both goals for the Matildas.
Both teams made changes in their lineup for this match. Australia elected to get as much speed and offense into their lineup as possible, starting Caitlin Foord at right back, and the forward duo of Lisa De Vanna and Kyah Simon, with another forward, Samantha Kerr on the wing.
Norway moved Trine Ronning to the back line, starting Gry Tofte Ims and Lene Mykjaland in the midfield and Cecilie Pedersen at forward with Madeleine Giske, Nora Berge, and Isabell Herlovsen on the bench.
Norway held the early advantage in pressure and scoring chances, in fact for much of the first half. At the quarter hour mark, Norway were buzzing around the Australian penalty area, with Pedersen eventually blasting a shot from 12 yards. It appeared that Kim Carroll's cleat was the only thing that kept the ball from going into the net, as the Australian defender may just have gotten a piece of it.
Australia's first real effort was a long distance shot by Samantha Kerr which went harmlessly over the crossbar.
In the 26th minute, Norwegian keeper Ingrid Hjelmseth jumped to catch a high cross and landed awkwardly, apparently hurting her ankle. While she soldiered on for the remainder of the first half, she was replaced by Erika Skarbo at the intermission.
One of Norway's problems in the first two matches was putting shots on frame. Elise Thorsnes attempted to rectify that with three hard shots on goal within just a few minutes of the first half. But Matilda goalie Melissa Barbieri was able to stop and smother every shot. Thorsnes was certainly the most dangerous player on the pitch in the first half.
Australia took one other shot from distance by De Vanna at the end of the half, but Hjelmseth caught the ball easily. The game went to halftime scoreless. Norway made two changes at the half, the aforementioned Skarbo for Hjelmseth switch and Kristine Hegland came in for Emilie Haavi who had played well, but had been nursing an injury.
Norway pressured to start the second half in an attempt to get the lead. But their goal came on a very innocuous looking play. A long ball was played by Ingvild Stensland with the ball rolling toward the Australian penalty area. Barbieri, got to the edge of the box and decided to wait for the ball rather than going forward and kicking it clear. Thorsnes stepped around a defender, intercepted the ball directly in front of Barbieri and safely deposited it into the net. Norway had the lead they needed to advance in the 56th minute.
But the lead lasted less than a minute. Australia worked the ball up the left side where Ronning appeared to gain possession for Norway in the corner. But De Vanna deftly dispossessed the Norwegian defender, dribbled inside the box on the left side, and centered the ball to Kyah Simon who was just left of the penalty mark. Simon couldn't have been more accurate as she placed her shot in the lower right corner of the net with Skarbo having no chance. The game was now even again.
In the 67th minute, Australia threatened as Heather Garriock crossed from the left side. With both Kerr for Australia and Maren Mjelde for Norway charging toward the net, Skarbo was somehow able to make a sliding save to clear the ball out and preserve the tie.
Australia had another chance just three minutes later as De Vanna dispossessed another Norwegian defender, this time Guro Mienna. She passed the ball to the left of the box, but this time Simon's shot went wide of the right post.
Norway desperately tried to regain the lead. Ronning headed a Stensland corner kick over the bar in the 76th minute, followed by Pedersen's 16 yard shot going wide of the net just a minute later. But they came closest in the 84th minute, when it looked like they had retaken the lead.
Norway was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area and Trine Ronning took the kick. Her shot from 22 yards hit the bottom of the crossbar almost in the upper left corner, but it did not go in and Australia was able to clear.
Australia put the game away in the 87th minute. Second half substitute Laura Alleway chased the ball down in the right corner and passed it to Kim Carroll who was about 28 yards out on the right wing. Carroll one-timed it into to the six-yard box dead center and Simon headed the ball home for her second goal of the match.
The match ended 2-1 for Australia and the Matildas were through to the quarterfinals, finishing in 2nd place in Group D. They will now face Sweden, who defeated the United States in Group C action today.
Showing posts with label Ingvild Stensland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ingvild Stensland. Show all posts
July 6, 2011
July 3, 2011
Brazil 3, Norway 0
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Labels: 2011 World Cup, Andreia, Brazil, Daiane, Elise Thorsnes, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Marta, Norway, Rosana
Labels: 2011 World Cup, Andreia, Brazil, Daiane, Elise Thorsnes, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Marta, Norway, Rosana
Brazil may have started slow in their match against Norway, but they finished strong in defeating the European squad 3-0 in Group D play on Sunday. Brazil clinched a spot in the quarterfinals and although it is not 100% assured it will be the number one spot, it most likely will be.
It was a doubly bad day for Norway. Not only did they lose the match to Brazil, but they did irreparable harm to their goal differential. Because they lost by three goals to Brazil, they will now have to defeat Australia in their final group stage match to advance to the quarterfinals.
It was definitely Marta's day today. She scored two goals and added an assist on the third. She was the dominant factor in the match and most certainly in the second half. Norway just could not keep up with her pace for the majority of the match.
However, Brazil started very slowly and it appeared that Norway had the initiative for the first 20 minutes of the match. It certainly looked like Norway could give Brazil's three back formation some problems. But what Norway failed to do was create many quality chances. They always seemed on the verge, but never quite got there.
The first goal was just a bit controversial, as Brazil may have gotten away with a foul or possibly two. Emilie Haavi received the ball on the left side about 3o yards out and dribbled toward the Brazilian penalty area. As she did, she was upended by Erika, losing the ball with the Brazilian gaining possession.
Erika started a counterattack with a long ball up the right side. Norwegian defender Nora Holstad Berge had a stride or two lead on Marta, but the great striker reached out and gave Berge a bit of a shove which knocked her to the ground. Marta gained possession deep in Norway's end cut to the center, moving around Maren Mjelde who was faked out and struck a low shot inside the right post to put Brazil up by 1-0.
It was not conclusive how hard the shove was that Marta had given, but it definitely knocked Berge off balance. Some of sold out crowd jeered Marta for the remainder of the first half.
Brazil nearly scored a second on Rosana's long-range shot in the 42nd minute, but Ingrid Hjelmseth pushed the ball over the crossbar.
Norway appeared to have a chance to draw even in the 44th minute as a long free kick was sent into the box. Madeleine Giske first gained control of the ball pushing it toward the goal, but as the ball came loose in front of Andreia, Isabell Herlovsen was ruled offsides.
Things fell apart quickly for the Norwegians in the second half. In startling quickness, Brazil struck for two goals in the opening four minutes to put the game away.
Not even a minute into the 2nd half, Marta took the ball from the center line and dribbled all the way into the left side of the penalty area, drawing several defenders toward her. She then released a pass across to Rosana who finished into the lower left side of the goal. It was Rosana's second goal of this World Cup.
In the 48th minute, a Norwegian clearance was blocked by Brazil, but the ball came to Mjelde and she appeared to have the situation under control. But Mjelde hit a very weak ball back toward her keeper with Cristiane gaining control. Cristiane's shot was blocked, but the ball came to Marta, who calmly moved to her right to place herself directly in front of the keeper and she then punched the ball past Hjelmseth into the goal. Marta showed great patience on the play, putting herself in better position for her shot.
For all intents and purposes, the day was done for Norway. It became apparent that coach Eli Landsem had arrived at the same conclusion when she took Ingvild Stensland out of the match in the 67th minute in order to rest her. Norway did create a few chances in the 2nd half, but none amounted to anything in the end.
Marta nearly had another goal in the 68th minute. She raced past Berge, gained control of the ball in the penalty area, but hesitated a bit long while deciding whether to shoot or pass the ball to Cristiane and she was unable to get a good shot off. It was definitely not a good day for defenders on Sunday.
In the 82nd minute, Elise Thorsnes beat a couple of defenders, weaving her way into the penalty area, but her driven shot was blocked by Daiane before it could get to the goal.
Norway was most dangerous on corner kicks. On two occasions in the last ten minutes, Norway threatened to get one goal back. In the 83rd minute, Cecilie Pedersen was able to get her head on a corner and the ball eventually came to Giske, who put it just over the goal. In the 87th minute, Thorsnes' had her shot blocked over the net off of a corner.
With two wins in hand and a healthy edge in goal differential, it would be very hard to see Brazil finishing anywhere but first in this group. They will face Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday in their last group stage match.
Norway has made things hard on themselves indeed. The loss by three goals now forces them to defeat Australia in a Wednesday showdown, if they are to advance to the quarterfinals.
It was a doubly bad day for Norway. Not only did they lose the match to Brazil, but they did irreparable harm to their goal differential. Because they lost by three goals to Brazil, they will now have to defeat Australia in their final group stage match to advance to the quarterfinals.
It was definitely Marta's day today. She scored two goals and added an assist on the third. She was the dominant factor in the match and most certainly in the second half. Norway just could not keep up with her pace for the majority of the match.
However, Brazil started very slowly and it appeared that Norway had the initiative for the first 20 minutes of the match. It certainly looked like Norway could give Brazil's three back formation some problems. But what Norway failed to do was create many quality chances. They always seemed on the verge, but never quite got there.
The first goal was just a bit controversial, as Brazil may have gotten away with a foul or possibly two. Emilie Haavi received the ball on the left side about 3o yards out and dribbled toward the Brazilian penalty area. As she did, she was upended by Erika, losing the ball with the Brazilian gaining possession.
Erika started a counterattack with a long ball up the right side. Norwegian defender Nora Holstad Berge had a stride or two lead on Marta, but the great striker reached out and gave Berge a bit of a shove which knocked her to the ground. Marta gained possession deep in Norway's end cut to the center, moving around Maren Mjelde who was faked out and struck a low shot inside the right post to put Brazil up by 1-0.
It was not conclusive how hard the shove was that Marta had given, but it definitely knocked Berge off balance. Some of sold out crowd jeered Marta for the remainder of the first half.
Brazil nearly scored a second on Rosana's long-range shot in the 42nd minute, but Ingrid Hjelmseth pushed the ball over the crossbar.
Norway appeared to have a chance to draw even in the 44th minute as a long free kick was sent into the box. Madeleine Giske first gained control of the ball pushing it toward the goal, but as the ball came loose in front of Andreia, Isabell Herlovsen was ruled offsides.
Things fell apart quickly for the Norwegians in the second half. In startling quickness, Brazil struck for two goals in the opening four minutes to put the game away.
Not even a minute into the 2nd half, Marta took the ball from the center line and dribbled all the way into the left side of the penalty area, drawing several defenders toward her. She then released a pass across to Rosana who finished into the lower left side of the goal. It was Rosana's second goal of this World Cup.
In the 48th minute, a Norwegian clearance was blocked by Brazil, but the ball came to Mjelde and she appeared to have the situation under control. But Mjelde hit a very weak ball back toward her keeper with Cristiane gaining control. Cristiane's shot was blocked, but the ball came to Marta, who calmly moved to her right to place herself directly in front of the keeper and she then punched the ball past Hjelmseth into the goal. Marta showed great patience on the play, putting herself in better position for her shot.
For all intents and purposes, the day was done for Norway. It became apparent that coach Eli Landsem had arrived at the same conclusion when she took Ingvild Stensland out of the match in the 67th minute in order to rest her. Norway did create a few chances in the 2nd half, but none amounted to anything in the end.
Marta nearly had another goal in the 68th minute. She raced past Berge, gained control of the ball in the penalty area, but hesitated a bit long while deciding whether to shoot or pass the ball to Cristiane and she was unable to get a good shot off. It was definitely not a good day for defenders on Sunday.
In the 82nd minute, Elise Thorsnes beat a couple of defenders, weaving her way into the penalty area, but her driven shot was blocked by Daiane before it could get to the goal.
Norway was most dangerous on corner kicks. On two occasions in the last ten minutes, Norway threatened to get one goal back. In the 83rd minute, Cecilie Pedersen was able to get her head on a corner and the ball eventually came to Giske, who put it just over the goal. In the 87th minute, Thorsnes' had her shot blocked over the net off of a corner.
With two wins in hand and a healthy edge in goal differential, it would be very hard to see Brazil finishing anywhere but first in this group. They will face Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday in their last group stage match.
Norway has made things hard on themselves indeed. The loss by three goals now forces them to defeat Australia in a Wednesday showdown, if they are to advance to the quarterfinals.
June 29, 2011
Norway 1, Equatorial Guinea 0
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Labels: 2011 World Cup, Anonman, Carolina, Emilie Haavi, Equatorial Guinea, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Isabell Herlovsen, Leni Kaurin, Maren Mjelde, Miriam, Norway
Labels: 2011 World Cup, Anonman, Carolina, Emilie Haavi, Equatorial Guinea, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Isabell Herlovsen, Leni Kaurin, Maren Mjelde, Miriam, Norway
Emilie Haavi's goal in the 84th minute sent Norway past Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the opening match of Group D on Wednesday. This game was in doubt from the opening moment to the very end.
If anyone expected Equatorial Guinea to be overmatched, they were certainly mistaken. They traded blow for blow with Norway, but in the end, they could not score. EG's star Anonman attempted shot after shot, double figures in all, but to no avail.
Norway came close to taking an early lead. Haavi hit a low shot off the left post from the right side of the box and Isabell Herlovsen put the rebound well over the net. A few minutes later, it was again Herlovsen sending one over the crossbar from 10 yards out.
Equatorial Guinea had their first good chance in the 20th minute as Diala sent Dulcia through, but Haavi made up ground and slid to block the shot just in the nick of time. A couple minutes later, Dorine came around the left edge clear, but her shot went right to Ingrid Hjelmseth.
Throughout the first half, both teams tried several shots from distance with very few being even remotely dangerous. The African squad was especially guilty of attempting long shots, instead of holding the ball to allow teammates to join in the attack where they could use their speed and skill.
Later in the half, Norway had two more chances as Elise Thorsnes' shot went just wide, with EG's goalkeeper Miriam getting a hand on it and later Herlovsen put yet another over the crossbar.
Just seconds before the intermission, Anonman beat the defense to get in alone against Hjelmseth, but Norwegian keeper made a nice save on the shot from 9 yards out.
Herlovsen continued to have problems with accuracy into the second half. Thorsnes forced a turnover and sent the ball to Herlovsen who hit it well wide of the net.
Anonman continued to impress with her ability, if not her accuracy, in the 53rd minute. She spun on her defender and put on a burst of speed into the penalty area, but touched the ball wide of the right post.
The game seemed to be opening up as a couple minutes later, Herlovsen dropped a pass back to Lene Mykjaland, whose shot glanced off a defender and then went off the outside of the right post.
In the 58th minute, an Ingvild Stensland corner found the head of Thorsnes who headed the ball toward the goal. Miriam made the save, but the ball came loose in traffic. Herlovsen was able to hit a soft shot that hit the left post, but Equatorial Guinean defender Carolina was able to fend off Herlovsen's quest for the rebound and get the ball out of trouble.
Next, it was Equatorial Guinea that would have a couple of chances. Anonman's shot from distance in the 66th minute went over the crossbar. A corner kick caused Hjelmseth all kinds of trouble as she got caught out, but the ball was deflected out of traffic just wide of the post. Anonman again tested the defense in the 75th minute, but her weak shot went well wide of the left post.
Back came Norway. Haavi put one just over the crossbar in the 78th minute, followed by Cecilie Pedersen's left-footed drive from 20 yards which forced Miriam to push the ball over the bar with both hands.
Norway continued to increase the pressure and it finally paid off in the 84th minute. Maren Mjelde took possession and dribbled in from 45 yards out to just short of the penalty area. She deftly pushed the ball through to Leni Kaurin on the right side who took the ball to the end line and hit a low cross. Miriam was only able to get a hand on the ball as it came across, just enough to push behind Stensland who was making a run down the center. However, Haavi was making a run toward the back post and she finished into the center of the net as Miriam was unable to recover in time.
Equatorial Guinea was unable to get an equalizer in the remaining time and Norway got the three points, which clearly had to be a relief for Norwegian coach Eli Landsem.
It will be interesting to watch Equatorial Guinea for the rest of the tournament. They showed good skills and played very well at times. If they could be just a bit more patient, instead of trying 25-30 yard shots, they could be a force to be reckoned with. They could give their next opponent, Australia, quite a bit of trouble.
Meanwhile, one would think that Norway will have to be just a little bit better than this when they face Brazil on Sunday. While some players, especially Haavi, had very strong matches, the team's performance was uneven. Anonman nearly split their defense on several occasions and that's something that they will have to fix before they meet Marta and company.
If anyone expected Equatorial Guinea to be overmatched, they were certainly mistaken. They traded blow for blow with Norway, but in the end, they could not score. EG's star Anonman attempted shot after shot, double figures in all, but to no avail.
Norway came close to taking an early lead. Haavi hit a low shot off the left post from the right side of the box and Isabell Herlovsen put the rebound well over the net. A few minutes later, it was again Herlovsen sending one over the crossbar from 10 yards out.
Equatorial Guinea had their first good chance in the 20th minute as Diala sent Dulcia through, but Haavi made up ground and slid to block the shot just in the nick of time. A couple minutes later, Dorine came around the left edge clear, but her shot went right to Ingrid Hjelmseth.
Throughout the first half, both teams tried several shots from distance with very few being even remotely dangerous. The African squad was especially guilty of attempting long shots, instead of holding the ball to allow teammates to join in the attack where they could use their speed and skill.
Later in the half, Norway had two more chances as Elise Thorsnes' shot went just wide, with EG's goalkeeper Miriam getting a hand on it and later Herlovsen put yet another over the crossbar.
Just seconds before the intermission, Anonman beat the defense to get in alone against Hjelmseth, but Norwegian keeper made a nice save on the shot from 9 yards out.
Herlovsen continued to have problems with accuracy into the second half. Thorsnes forced a turnover and sent the ball to Herlovsen who hit it well wide of the net.
Anonman continued to impress with her ability, if not her accuracy, in the 53rd minute. She spun on her defender and put on a burst of speed into the penalty area, but touched the ball wide of the right post.
The game seemed to be opening up as a couple minutes later, Herlovsen dropped a pass back to Lene Mykjaland, whose shot glanced off a defender and then went off the outside of the right post.
In the 58th minute, an Ingvild Stensland corner found the head of Thorsnes who headed the ball toward the goal. Miriam made the save, but the ball came loose in traffic. Herlovsen was able to hit a soft shot that hit the left post, but Equatorial Guinean defender Carolina was able to fend off Herlovsen's quest for the rebound and get the ball out of trouble.
Next, it was Equatorial Guinea that would have a couple of chances. Anonman's shot from distance in the 66th minute went over the crossbar. A corner kick caused Hjelmseth all kinds of trouble as she got caught out, but the ball was deflected out of traffic just wide of the post. Anonman again tested the defense in the 75th minute, but her weak shot went well wide of the left post.
Back came Norway. Haavi put one just over the crossbar in the 78th minute, followed by Cecilie Pedersen's left-footed drive from 20 yards which forced Miriam to push the ball over the bar with both hands.
Norway continued to increase the pressure and it finally paid off in the 84th minute. Maren Mjelde took possession and dribbled in from 45 yards out to just short of the penalty area. She deftly pushed the ball through to Leni Kaurin on the right side who took the ball to the end line and hit a low cross. Miriam was only able to get a hand on the ball as it came across, just enough to push behind Stensland who was making a run down the center. However, Haavi was making a run toward the back post and she finished into the center of the net as Miriam was unable to recover in time.
Equatorial Guinea was unable to get an equalizer in the remaining time and Norway got the three points, which clearly had to be a relief for Norwegian coach Eli Landsem.
It will be interesting to watch Equatorial Guinea for the rest of the tournament. They showed good skills and played very well at times. If they could be just a bit more patient, instead of trying 25-30 yard shots, they could be a force to be reckoned with. They could give their next opponent, Australia, quite a bit of trouble.
Meanwhile, one would think that Norway will have to be just a little bit better than this when they face Brazil on Sunday. While some players, especially Haavi, had very strong matches, the team's performance was uneven. Anonman nearly split their defense on several occasions and that's something that they will have to fix before they meet Marta and company.
June 25, 2011
Group D Preview: Norway
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Labels: 2011 World Cup, Elise Thorsnes, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Isabell Herlovsen, Lene Mykjåland, Maren Mjelde, Norway, Trine Ronning
Labels: 2011 World Cup, Elise Thorsnes, Ingrid Hjelmseth, Ingvild Stensland, Isabell Herlovsen, Lene Mykjåland, Maren Mjelde, Norway, Trine Ronning
Norway (#9)
Region: UEFA
Coach: Eli Landsem
How They Qualified: Won UEFA Group Stage, then defeated Ukraine in playoff.
Prior Cups:
2007: 4th Place
2003: Lost in Quarterfinals
1999: 4th Place
1995: Champions
1991: 2nd Place
Returnees from 2007 WWC: (8) Skarbo, Mienna, Ronning, Mykjaland, Stensland, Giske, Herlovsen, Kaurin.
Roster (Average Age: 24.89)
Recent Matches:
Certainly Norway has one of the most storied histories in women’s soccer. It is probably their misfortune that the first Women’s World Cup wasn’t played until 1991, as they fielded a strong team for years before that. They have made it to the quarterfinals in all five previous World Cups and they are the only team outside of the United States and Germany to have won the Cup.
Norway made it through the group stage of UEFA qualifying with relative ease and then shutout Ukraine twice to punch their ticket to the World Cup. Outside of the 2011 Algarve Cup, they have played only three friendlies since qualifying. Their record since qualifying is very lackluster 3-4, although they did recently defeat the United States in an unofficial match.
One thing that Norway hasn’t been lately is lucky. Injuries have hit them pretty hard, with Lise Klaveness and Melissa Wiik being out of the World Cup with injuries. Now, Lisa Marie Woods has also been ruled out because of a hip injury and she will be replaced on the team by Kristine Wigdahl Hegland.
While injuries have been plentiful for this Norwegian squad, goals have not so far this year. They have scored seven goals in six matches, which wouldn’t be so bad, except that all seven came in two games against the same team, Finland. Norway has been blanked by Germany, Denmark, Japan and the USA, although they did win the match against Denmark on penalty kicks.
As for those players that will be making the trip to Germany, Norway has an experienced squad. Only eight players return from the 2007 World Cup team, but there is certainly enough of a nucleus to call this team a veteran side. They appear to have a nice mixture of youth and experience and in spite of all the injuries, should be a team to be reckoned with in Germany.
That experience starts with the midfield. Ingvild Stensland has long been one of the most respected players in the world. She is an exceptional defender and her work rate is consistently top notch. She is Norway’s captain and rightfully so. She is joined in the midfield by Lene Mykjaland, who is a talented offensive player and passer.
On the attack, Norway has a number of young strikers that will give opposing defenses problems. The best of these is probably Isabell Herlovsen, who has scored 19 national team goals, nine of those in qualifying matches. She scored six goals in one match against Macedonia. Next, there is Elise Thorsnes, who recently scored a hat trick against Finland. Young Cecilie Pedersen might be the scorer of the future for Norway and she put two in that same match against Finland.
The defense is led by Maren Mjelde. The central defender is rock solid on the back line and it’s easy to forget that she is just 21 years old. For experience on the back line, there is Trine Ronning, who has well over 100 caps for Norway. I’m sure Ronning would like to atone for her own goal in the 2007 semifinal match against Germany.
Ingrid Hjelmseth will be in goal for Norway. She posted nine shutouts in ten matches during qualification, giving up just two goals to Holland. One can almost count on Norway’s matches being low scoring, as they are a strong defensive team and Hjelmseth is a big part of that.
For Norway, it may well come down to their match against Australia for the second spot in Group D to the quarterfinals. Both teams have suffered key injuries. It will be an interesting contrast with the offensive minded Aussies against the always tough defense of Norway.
Note: Some information for this article was obtained from www.fifa.com, www.fotball.no, and www.uefa.com.
Region: UEFA
Coach: Eli Landsem
How They Qualified: Won UEFA Group Stage, then defeated Ukraine in playoff.
Prior Cups:
2007: 4th Place
2003: Lost in Quarterfinals
1999: 4th Place
1995: Champions
1991: 2nd Place
Returnees from 2007 WWC: (8) Skarbo, Mienna, Ronning, Mykjaland, Stensland, Giske, Herlovsen, Kaurin.
Roster (Average Age: 24.89)
| Name | Pos | Club | Age | Caps/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingrid Hjelmseth | GK | Stabaek | 31 | 45/0 |
| Caroline Knutsen | GK | Roa | 27 | 4/0 |
| Erika Skarbo | GK | Arna-Bjornar | 24 | 16/0 |
| Hedda Gardsjord | DF | Roa | 28 | 22/0 |
| Nora Holdstad Berge | DF | Linkoping | 24 | 6/0 |
| Marita Skammelsrud Lund | DF | LSK Kvinner | 22 | 20/0 |
| Guro Knutsen Mienna | DF | Roa | 26 | 30/3 |
| Maren Mjelde | DF | Arna-Bjornar | 21 | 32/1 |
| Trine Ronning | DF | Stabaek | 29 | 113/20 |
| Ingrid Ryland | DF | Arna-Bjornar | 22 | 7/0 |
| Runa Vikestad | DF | Kolbotn | 26 | 15/1 |
| Emilie Bosshard Haavi | MF | Roa | 19 | 8/4 |
| Gry Tofte Ims | MF | Klepp | 25 | 8/0 |
| Lene Mykjaland | MF | Roa | 24 | 36/8 |
| Ingvild Stensland | MF | FCF Lyon | 29 | 102/5 |
| Kristine Wigdahl Hegland | MF | Arna-Bjornar | 18 | 0/0 |
| Madeleine Giske | FW | Arna-Bjornar | 23 | 17/1 |
| Isabell Herlovsen | FW | LSK Kvinner | 23 | 64/19 |
| Leni Larsen Kaurin | FW | Wolfsburg | 30 | 81/4 |
| Cecilie Pedersen | FW | Avaldsnes | 20 | 21/8 |
| Elise Thorsnes | FW | Roa | 22 | 40/6 |
Recent Matches:
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/16/11 | Germany | Friendly | L 0-3 |
| 5/19/11 | Finland | Friendly | W 5-1 |
| 3/9/11 | Denmark | Algarve | W 0-0 (5-4 pk) |
| 3/7/11 | Japan | Algarve | L 0-1 |
| 3/4/10 | United States | Algarve | L 0-2 |
| 3/2/10 | Finland | Algarve | W 2-1 |
| 10/26/10 | Sweden | Friendly | L 1-3 |
| 9/15/10 | Ukraine | UEFA Playoff | W 2-0 |
| 9/11/10 | Ukraine | UEFA Playoff | W 1-0 |
| 8/25/10 | FYR Macedonia | UEFA WC Qualifier | W 7-0 |
| 8/21/10 | Slovakia | UEFA WC Qualifier | W 4-0 |
| 6/23/10 | Belarus | UEFA WC Qualifier | W 3-0 |
| 6/19/10 | Holland | UEFA WC Qualifier | T 2-2 |
| 6/3/10 | Canada | Friendly | T 1-1 |
Certainly Norway has one of the most storied histories in women’s soccer. It is probably their misfortune that the first Women’s World Cup wasn’t played until 1991, as they fielded a strong team for years before that. They have made it to the quarterfinals in all five previous World Cups and they are the only team outside of the United States and Germany to have won the Cup.
Norway made it through the group stage of UEFA qualifying with relative ease and then shutout Ukraine twice to punch their ticket to the World Cup. Outside of the 2011 Algarve Cup, they have played only three friendlies since qualifying. Their record since qualifying is very lackluster 3-4, although they did recently defeat the United States in an unofficial match.
One thing that Norway hasn’t been lately is lucky. Injuries have hit them pretty hard, with Lise Klaveness and Melissa Wiik being out of the World Cup with injuries. Now, Lisa Marie Woods has also been ruled out because of a hip injury and she will be replaced on the team by Kristine Wigdahl Hegland.
While injuries have been plentiful for this Norwegian squad, goals have not so far this year. They have scored seven goals in six matches, which wouldn’t be so bad, except that all seven came in two games against the same team, Finland. Norway has been blanked by Germany, Denmark, Japan and the USA, although they did win the match against Denmark on penalty kicks.
As for those players that will be making the trip to Germany, Norway has an experienced squad. Only eight players return from the 2007 World Cup team, but there is certainly enough of a nucleus to call this team a veteran side. They appear to have a nice mixture of youth and experience and in spite of all the injuries, should be a team to be reckoned with in Germany.
That experience starts with the midfield. Ingvild Stensland has long been one of the most respected players in the world. She is an exceptional defender and her work rate is consistently top notch. She is Norway’s captain and rightfully so. She is joined in the midfield by Lene Mykjaland, who is a talented offensive player and passer.
On the attack, Norway has a number of young strikers that will give opposing defenses problems. The best of these is probably Isabell Herlovsen, who has scored 19 national team goals, nine of those in qualifying matches. She scored six goals in one match against Macedonia. Next, there is Elise Thorsnes, who recently scored a hat trick against Finland. Young Cecilie Pedersen might be the scorer of the future for Norway and she put two in that same match against Finland.
The defense is led by Maren Mjelde. The central defender is rock solid on the back line and it’s easy to forget that she is just 21 years old. For experience on the back line, there is Trine Ronning, who has well over 100 caps for Norway. I’m sure Ronning would like to atone for her own goal in the 2007 semifinal match against Germany.
Ingrid Hjelmseth will be in goal for Norway. She posted nine shutouts in ten matches during qualification, giving up just two goals to Holland. One can almost count on Norway’s matches being low scoring, as they are a strong defensive team and Hjelmseth is a big part of that.
For Norway, it may well come down to their match against Australia for the second spot in Group D to the quarterfinals. Both teams have suffered key injuries. It will be an interesting contrast with the offensive minded Aussies against the always tough defense of Norway.
Note: Some information for this article was obtained from www.fifa.com, www.fotball.no, and www.uefa.com.
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