by Genevieve Henry (18/6/23)
Above: Norway and Ada Hegerberg will be hoping for plenty to celebrate in the World Cup. Photo: The Guardian.
The Norwegian women’s national team are one of the best in the history of women’s football. The Scandinavian powerhouse have dropped off in form in the last few years, but they will be eager to prove that they are just as good as they have ever been this summer in Australia and New Zealand.
Squad
To be announced.
Head Coach
Under the management of Hege Riise, Norway has improved since their shocking 8-0 loss to England in the Euros. Since coming in, Riise has seemed to change the culture and attitude of this team.
In her days as a player, Riise won a World Cup, a European Championship, and Olympic Gold with Norway. She brings knowledge of how to win tournaments, and she will do everything within her power to make her country proud once again. Although many results haven’t been in Norway’s favour lately, Riise is rebuilding this team in the lead-up to the World Cup.
World Cup History
Norway were one of the big achievers in the early years of the tournament. The Scandinavian side reached the semi-finals or better in four of the first five tournaments.
Runners-up at the first tournament in 1991, when Norway lost 2-1 to the USA in China, they lifted the trophy four years later in Sweden when current head coach Hege Riise and Marianne Pettersen scored to earn a 2-1 win over Germany in Solna.
This was followed up with a fourth-place finish in both 1999 and 2007. Since then, it has become more of a challenge for the Norwegians and the best the nation has done since was their quarter-final in 2019.
How they qualified
Norway qualified comfortably by winning nine of their ten group games in Europe’s Group F qualifying stage. Poland, who finished third in the group were the only nation to avoid defeat against the Norwegians when they gained a 0-0 in Łódź.
Strengths
Norway has an absolutely stacked attacking line. With players like Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Reiten, and Frida Maanum, they are sure to be a threat to every team they come up against.
Development Areas
Norway’s defence could improve, as they have been conceding frequently as of late. They have talented defenders that haven’t been at the top of their game in these matches.
Key Players
Ada Hegerberg is one of the most decorated women’s footballers and for a good reason. She is a lethal striker, with 43 goals in 77 appearances for her country. She has won the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) six times with Olympique Lyonnaise and is the all-time top scorer in the competition, with 59 goals.
Guro Reiten is one of the best wingers in the game right now. She has speed, a great cross, and an even better shot. Her link-up play is one of the best things in this Norway side. Reiten is in great form and will attempt to carry this over to Australia and New Zealand.
Frida Leonhardsen Maanum finished the season with the most goal contributions in the Arsenal squad. She has the ability to score spectacular goals, which she frequently shows off. She won the UWCL Goal of the Season for her outrageous strike against Bayern Munich last March. Maanum’s midfield mastery will surely come in handy for Norway at the 2023 World Cup.
One to Watch
Julie Blakstad – the 21-year-old BK Häcken loanee is versatile, fast, and smart. Before being loaned to Häcken, she was impressing at Manchester City. Unfortunately, she wasn’t getting frequent playing time so she moved to the Swedish club where she has been on fire. She can score goals, defend, and create chances for her country and will aim to do so again this summer.
Success would be
Reaching the semifinals would be a good goal for this team. They have so much potential but are still in the rebuilding phase.
Prediction
Quarter-Final exit. This team can only get so far just outscoring their opponents and they could get discovered by more experienced, skillful teams.
Group A Fixtures
20th July – New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland.
25th July – Switzerland, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.
30th July – Philippines, Eden Park, Auckland.
To read the other World Cup nation previews published so far, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/international-football/
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