Norway has booked a spot in the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite being on the verge of being eliminated after playing a goalless draw against Switzerland in their second group stage match, a ruthless performance has helped “The Grasshopper” seal a spot in the round of 16.
A shocking 1-0 loss to joint hosts New Zealand in their opening game put Norway on the backfoot. A chance at redemption against Switzerland in their second group stage match also ended in a draw, putting Norway in a difficult position and thus turning their third group stage match into a must-win game for any chance at survival.
With Switzerland’s goalless draw against joint hosts New Zealand, a win with a huge margin was all Norway needed to qualify for the round of 16 as runner-up in Group A. The mission proved to be an easy task, as Norway slayed their demons with a ruthless display and forced their way through the Philippines’ national team with a 6-0 win.
Barcelona players Ingrid Engen, and Caroline Graham Hansen participated in the game, with the latter scoring the third goal of the match in the 31st minute. Engen was brought on as a substitute in the 68th minute.
Norway scored three goals in each half to put six goals past the Philippines, thus increasing the goal difference margin, which gave them the edge over New Zealand and put them in second place with 4 points, just behind Switzerland, who ended up as group leaders with 5 points. With Switzerland at the top of the group standings, Norway would go up against the winner of Group C, either Spain or Japan, in the round of 16.
