NORTHERN IRELAND 0 NORWAY 4
NORTHERN Ireland’s European Championships finals dream is over after this defeat by Norway in the first instalment of their two-legged UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 play-off final.
The Norwegians turned on the power from the start in front of 1866 fans at Inver Park in Larne and ran out comfortable winners.
A first half double from captain and player of the match Caroline Graham Hansen and goals from Tuva Hansen and Guro Bergsvand saw Norway establish a strong foothold in the tie ahead of the second leg in Oslo on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland defence and midfield worked tirelessly throughout the game, closing players down and blocking shots, but the Norwegians stroked the ball around impressively and were ruthlessly efficient.
After a cagey start to the game, Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns confidently clutched a cross into the area from Guro Reiten before Danielle Maxwell broke down the right, however her cross was cleared by the Norwegian defence.
Norway opened the scoring on seven minutes when captain Graham Hansen tucked the ball home from close range following a sweeping move. Emilie Woldvik provided the assist.
Graham Hansen then had an effort blocked by Laura Rafferty as the visitors pushed forward, while Frida Maanum fired a low shot inches past the post.
On 14 minutes it was 2-0. A clearance from a corner fell to Tuva Hansen and she drilled the ball into the net from 25 yards.Vilde Boa Risa had a rasping shot blocked as Norway continued to press.
Graham Hansen got her second of the night on 26 minutes when she picked up the ball on the halfway line, played a one-two with Reiten and then raced into the area before firing a low shot past Burns from four yards. It was a classy goal.
Northern Ireland’s first chance of the game came shortly after when Natalie Johnson let fly from distance, however her shot sailed over the bar.
Simone Magill worked her socks off up front but she got very little joy out of a resolute Norwegian backline.Brenna McPartlan produced a fine block tackle as Graham Hansen prepared to shoot from the edge of the area.
On the stroke of half-time Boa Risa delivered a dangerous cross into the area which spun past the upright.
Norway continued to push after the break, however the Northern Ireland defence and midfield worked hard to keep them at bay.Goal number four for the Norwegians came in the 67th minute. A Boa Risa corner slipped through Burns’ fingers and defender Guro Bergsvand reacted quickest when the ball dropped to poke it home.
Burns punched a couple of crosses clear in quick succession before she comfortably gathered a deflected shot from Maanum.
Graham Hansen, in search of a hat-trick, fired a shot inches wide after some clever footwork.In added time Northern Ireland substitute Megan Bell’s low shot was deflected out for a corner.
Next up for Tanya Oxtoby’s side is the second leg of the play-off final at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Rachel Dugdale, Rebecca Holloway, Laura Rafferty, Natalie Johnson, Danielle Maxwell, Brenna McPartlan, Simone Magill (captain), Joely Andrews, Lauren Wade.
Substitutes: (used) Chloe McCarron, Keri Halliday, Megan Bell; (unused) Rachael Norney, Chloe McCarron, Connie Scofield, Keri Halliday, Kelsie Burrows, Ellie Mason, Louise McDaniel, Emily Wilson, Kerry Beattie, Rachel McLaren.
Norway: Cecilie Fiskerstrand, Emilie Woldvik, Tuva Hansen, Mathilde Harviken, Guro Bergsvand, Ingrid Engen, Karina Saevik, Vilde Boa Risa, Frida Maanum, Caroline Graham Hansen (captain), Guro Reiten.
Substitutes: (used) Ada Hegerberg, Marit B Lund, Celin Bizet Ildhusoy, Justine Kielland; (unused) Selma Panengstuen (GK), Aurora Mikalsen (GK), Marthine Ostenstad, Maren Mjelde, Synne Jensen, Olaug Tvedten, Emilie Joramo, Cathinka Tandberg.
