After suffering a miserable group stage exit from the Euros, Norway hopes for a better return in the grandest stage of all. With a talented squad in their ranks, Hege Riise will be reflecting the country’s golden days in the Women’s World Cup. Although, Gresshoppene are in poor form heading into the tournament which the manager wish does not affect them on the main stage.
History
Norway has competed in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and their crowning joy came in 1995 when they lifted the trophy. Securing victory in each match. They became the first champions of Europe after coming close to doing it in the first-ever tournament four years ago of the coronation. The nation from the Nordic region failed to match the same levels in the following editions with their fourth-place finish in 2007 the last big achievement. Norway’s top goal-scorer in this competition is Ann Kristin Aarones with 10 to her name. A lethal goal-scorer, Aarones struck six times in the winning year of 1995 before adding four more in the very next edition. Present manager Hege Riise was also an integral part of the side having scored five goals in the triumph at Sweden. She is also the second-most scorer for Norway at the Women’s World Cup.
Previous Tournament
In the past Women’s World Cup, Norway reached the quarterfinal stage in France only to be beaten by familiar foe England again. But their achievement was credible as they were somewhat surprise candidates at this stage of the competition beating the likes of Australia in the last 16 through penalties. Gresshoppene were also in a challenging group alongside the hosts, Nigeria and South Korea. They managed to finish second and only lost to Les Bleues.
Qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Hege Riise’s side qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by winning their qualifiers group unbeaten. They finished six points better than Belgium in the second spot and dropped points only once in the 10 available matches. Also conceding just twice while scoring 47 times. Lisa-Marie scored six goals while Graham Hansen added five, the top scorers for the team in the qualifiers.
Preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
The momentum has been disrupted for Norway as they are struggling to win before the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The team has managed only four victories in a year but only one has come against a higher-ranked nation. They have leaked 16 goals in nine friendlies played, the 4-1 and 4-2 defeats to Brazil and Spain respectively contributing to those numbers. Their last friendly also ended in a 3-3 spectacle with Sweden in April.
Norway Squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Cecilie Fiskerstrand (LSK), Guro Pettersen (Vålerenga), Aurora Mikalsen (SK Brann)
Defenders: Anja Sønstevold (Inter Milan), Tuva Hansen (Bayern Munich), Guro Bergsvand (Brighton & Hove Albion), Maren Mjelde (Chelsea), Thea Bjelde (Vålerenga), Mathilde Harviken (Rosenborg), Sara Hørte (Rosenborg), Marit Bratberg Lund (SK Brann)
Midfielders: Ingrid Engen (Barcelona), Vilde Bøe Risa (Manchester United), Guro Reiten (Chelsea), Frida Maanum (Arsenal), Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona), Amalie Eikeland (Reading), Julie Blakstad (Manchester City/BK Häcken), Emilie Haavi (AS Roma)
Forwards: Ada Hegerberg (Lyon), Sophie Roman Haug (AS Roma), Karina Sævik (Avaldsnes), Anna Jøsendal (Rosenborg)
Head Coach: Hege Riise
Strength
The attacking department of the team is the strongest and will help them to produce results on the world stage. The arsenal they have in the returning Ada Hegerberg, who opted to miss out the last Women’s World Cup in protest against the federation’s treatment of the national team, Graham Hansen and Chelsea’s Guro Reiten is fascinating. Adding the brilliance of Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum to the list makes them even more menacing. For that, Norway has failed to score only once in the 11 games following the Euros last summer. A fabulous streak to build upon.
Weakness
Major tournament dilemma and a poor form to take to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a big obstacle for Gresshoppene. The Euro was a big example of how the team can crumble if they are not in the match. The 8-0 thrashing in the hands of winners England and a shock 1-0 loss to Austria to exit from the group stages is a lively indicator. In the friendly matches played against the top nations in the tournament, Norway have only managed to win one against the Netherlands. No matter the strength of their frontline, the team will suffer if they continue to leak goals on the other side. This has been their theme in recent matches.
Key Player: Frida Maanum
The first women's footballer to win the Ballon d’Or, Ada Hegerberg will be roaring to find the back of the net on her return for the Women’s World Cup assisted by the two lethal wingers in the team. However, if Norway are to produce goods they need Frida Maanum to be at her absolute best in the tournament. The 23-year-old became the player to bail out Arsenal from tough situations in the previous campaign and now will be producing the same for her national team. Maanum contributed to 13 goals in the WSL and eight goals in 10 matches in the Women’s Champions League making it the best return of her career. Her creative touch from midfield will be pivotal for the team to flourish on the opposition’s end. The work rate and also the versatility of the star are crucial for Norway to improve on their showing from the past.
How will Norway Lineup at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
Norway FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Groups & Fixtures
Group A
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Switzerland
Fixtures
Thursday, 20 July 2023
New Zealand vs Norway - Eden Park, Auckland (12:30)
Tuesday, 25 July 2023
Switzerland vs Norway - FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (01:30)
Sunday, 30 July 2023
Norway vs Philippines - Eden Park, Auckland (12:30)
Prediction
Norway has Switzerland as their main rival in topping their group. Even finishing first will not give them a comfortable round of 16 ties as either Spain or Japan will be their counterparts. Considering the form they have endured against quality opposition, it will ask a lot out of them to move further into the knockouts. A successive quarterfinal appearance is possible but anything less than that will be a major disappointment again.
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