The FIFA Women’s World Cup is up and running, and the battle for qualification for the knockout stages is getting more intense than ever. Amongst the FC Barcelona Femeni players selected to represent their national team are Ingrid Engen and Caroline Graham Hansen who are currently representing Norway in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament currently being played in Australia and New Zealand.
Norway who lost to joint hosts New Zealand by a single goal in their opening game of the competition are currently on the verge of disqualification. After playing a goalless draw against Switzerland in their second game of the competition, Norway sits at the bottom of their group’s table, heading into the last game of the group stage with 1 point.
Despite the dilemma in which they have found themselves, all hope is not lost for the “Gresshoppene” just yet as qualification is still mathematically possible. If at all, there is any chance for qualification, Norway must win their last group stage match against the Philippines.
However, a win against the Philippines is only one of two requirements for qualification. The second being, a win for Switzerland over joint hosts, New Zealand.
Switzerland are currently top of the table with 4 points, followed closely by New Zealand with 3 points and then the Philippines with 3 points as well. A victory over the Philippines coupled with a New Zealand defeat, puts Norway at 4 points, giving them a one point lead over New Zealand, and thus making their qualification a certainty.
However, these two requirements need to be met for Norway to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Norway will need Engen’s tactical awareness as well as the creative ability of her fellow teammate, Caroline Graham Hansen for any hope of qualifying for the next round.
