Auckland, July 30 (Agency) Norway have qualified for the knockout phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time running following a commanding 6-0 victory over the Philippines here on Sunday. Hege Riise’s side knew victory would only guarantee them a spot in the next round if they defeated the Philippines by at least a three-goal margin. A dominant first-half display had them 3-0 up, before three further goals in the second period put the result – and qualification – beyond all doubt. Despite a historic victory over New Zealand, the Philippines have finished bottom of Group A. Norway opened their Australia & New Zealand 2023 account in stunning style. Thea Bjelde swept a cross to the back post, which Sophie Roman Haug volleyed over the head of Olivia McDaniel and into the back of the net. They repeated the trick just over 10 minutes later from an almost identical position, with Vilde Boa Rise turning provider with another looping cross which Haug headed home.
The all-important third goal wasn’t far behind, as Hansen rocketed a right-footed shot from fully 25 yards into the bottom-left corner. One-way traffic continued after the break and Norway quickly made sure they would be on the knockout-phase guest list. After just three minutes, a low, teasing cross into the Philippines box forced Alicia Barker to put through her own net, before Guido Reiten converted a penalty shortly after to make it five. Things went from bad to worse for the Filipinas just after the hour mark, as substitute Sofia Harrison was sent off following a VAR review for a late challenge on Bjelde. Some last-ditch Philippines defending and heroics from McDaniel in goal prevented further damage until the fifth minute of added time, when Haug nodded home a Reiten corner to complete her hat-trick. Raiise’s side will now face either Spain or Japan in the last 16. Norway coach Hege Riise said, “We felt it was us against the world today and we performed from the very start, delivering when we really had to. This was the best response we could have given the Norwegian people and ourselves.”