Kathmandu: Northern Ireland were outclassed on their debut in a major tournament as Norway clinched a comprehensive 4-1 win at Euro 2022 in Southampton.
First-half goals from Julie Blakstad and Frida Maanum, plus a Caroline Graham Hansen penalty, put the two-time European champions on the road to routine success to put a damper on a historic event for their opponents.
Defender Julie Nelson – Northern Ireland’s all-time cap – gave the competition’s bottom-ranked nation brief hopes of an unlikely comeback by scoring a striking goal just after the break.
With the victory, Norway has taken the lead in the group with 3 points. Hosts England, who added three points, dropped to second place in terms of goal difference.
Norway is the second most successful team in women’s football after Germany. Norway has won the Euro Cup twice so far.
