Norway stamped its class against the Philippines in their last game of the group stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 on a dominating 6-0 performance in Auckland.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Filipinas, who just days earlier upset co-host New Zealand in only the Philippines’ second game in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
The Filipinas looked ready to again play the role of the giant slayer against world number 12 Norway, moving well on the pitch during the first five minutes of the game played in Eden Park, the national stadium of New Zealand.
But the game quickly turned around, with Sophie Roman Huag scoring the first of her hat trick in the 6th minute. Roman Huag added to her personal tally on the 17th minute, heading ball to the back of the net. She completed a hat trick in the 90th minute with another header.
Winger Caroline Graham Hansen, who had a spat with her coach after not starting in the game that Norway drew against Switzerland and put their chances of advancing in this World Cup in question, scored on an attempt outside the penalty area.
The Filipinas’ hope a comeback was all but dashed on the 48th minute, when the Philippines’ Sophia Barker scored an own goal after she tried to prevent Norway from scoring.
Five minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty kick that Guro Reiten converted to give Norway a commanding, 5-0 score line that at that point virtually booked the Norwegian side a ticket to the knockout round.
Until Sunday’s match, Norway has been scoreless in this World Cup. The master class they conducted against the Philippines also eliminated New Zealand from progressing into the next round. Norway had lost to the co-host in their first game of the group stage.
The Philippines’ historic win against New Zealand will surely push the Filipinas up the world rankings and inspire greater following in the country where basketball is still the premier sport.
