Women's World Cup 2019: Norway starts with emphatic victory over Nigeria

Chris Myson

Women's World Cup 2019: Norway starts with emphatic victory over Nigeria image

Guro Reiten scored a goal and assisted another as Norway romped to a 3-0 victory over Nigeria at the Women's World Cup.

Even without star player Ada Hegerberg, Norway — world champions in 1995 — cruised to victory Saturday in Reims against a team who had never made it out of the group stage.

Strikes from Reiten and Lisa-Marie Utland, followed by an own goal from Osinachi Ohale, had the Martin Sjogren-led team up three goals inside 37 minutes.

The win for Norway sets up a highly anticipated Group A clash against tournament hosts France, who thrashed South Korea in the opening game.

Norway moved ahead after 17 minutes, with a short corner catching out Nigeria and Caroline Graham Hansen weaving in from the right before finding Reiten, whose effort deflected into the net off the arm of defender Onome Ebi.

Two goals in the space of 186 seconds effectively ended the game in the first half.

First, in the 34th minute, Utland's strike got past a poor attempt to save by goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi and went in off the crossbar — the striker having been found by a Reiten pass.

Mistakes from Oluehi and Ebi after what should have been a routine goal kick then led to the third goal, with Isabell Herlovsen's right-wing cross diverted into her own net by Ohale.

Nigeria lost Faith Michael to injury early in the second half, the defender having to be stretchered off after landing awkwardly following a collision with her goalkeeper.

Asisat Oshoala burst through on goal but could not convert a late chance, as Thomas Dennerby's side failed to muster a consolation.

 

Chris Myson