After being outplayed for the majority of the match, SIONNorway pulled off another 2-1 victory at the Women’s European Championship on Sunday, this time against a formidable Finland.
With a cross that converted into a strike that ended in the Finland net off a post in the 84th minute, Caroline Graham Hansen gave Norway the class they frequently lacked.
After great play on the right wing, Norway’s Barcelona forward caused Finland defender Eva Nystr m to give up an own goal in the third minute.
In the 32nd minute, Oona Sevenius gave Finland a well-earned equalizer by demonstrating excellent balance and guiding a rising left-footed strike from 16 yards (meters).
For much of the match, Finland’s clean play had outperformed Norway’s more illustrious lineup, much like Switzerland had in the first half of Norway’s 2-1 victory four days prior.
Marko Saloranta, the coach of Finland, stated in translated remarks following the performance that the outcome was cruel. They have these elite strikers, and you can’t allow an opponent two goals in a match like that.
After defeating Iceland 1-0 on the first day, Finland is now on three points while Norway is leading Group A with six.
If Iceland loses the later match on Sunday against host Switzerland, Norway will advance to the quarterfinals as the winner of Group A.
The quality of Finland
Finland was fortunate to avoid falling behind by two goals despite their clean play. Goalie Anna Koivunen made a heroic blocking stop to deny star forward Ada Hegerberg after Norway hit the crossbar and a post from consecutive corners.
After Norway was once again denied the possession in its own half by strong pressure, Finland tied the score with a brilliant finish from Sevenius.
Finland took control of the game halfway through the second half, forcing Norway’s goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand to make diving saves after Eveliina Sumannen’s and Katariina Kosola’s shots were pushed onto a post.
Graham Hansen blew a clear opportunity in the 81st minute by scooping a shot too high with plenty of time to pick her place, and Norway rallied late in the match. Compared to the possibility of her scoring three minutes later, it was simpler.
Upcoming games
When Finland faces host Switzerland on Thursday, Norway will wrap up its group-stage schedule against Iceland.
The ultimate group winner will face the runner-up in Spain’s Group B in the first quarterfinal on July 16 in Geneva.
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