Norway Dominates Philippines with a Sensational 6-0 Victory, Securing a Spot in the Last 16 of the Women's World Cup 2023

Norway secured a spot in the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup by defeating the Philippines 6-0 in Auckland. Sophie Roman Haug's hat-trick, along with goals from Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten, and an own goal from Alicia Barker, propelled the 1995 champions to second place in Group A. Despite a tumultuous two weeks, Norway emerged victorious and earned their first win of the tournament, leveling on points with New Zealand but surpassing them in terms of goal difference.

The Philippines, despite securing their first World Cup win against New Zealand, finished last in their group. However, their match against Norway took a turn when defender Sofia Harrison received a red card in the 67th minute for a foul on Thea Bjelde. Norway, knowing their tournament fate hung in the balance with only one point from their first two matches, displayed a determined performance right from the beginning.

They opened the scoring in the sixth minute when right back Bjelde lofted the ball up to Roman Haug, who finished from a tight angle with a sensational volley.

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Referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin dismisses Sofia Harrison (second left)

Roman Haug doubled the lead in the 17th minute as she expertly directed a header into the net from a precise long pass provided by midfielder Vilde Boe Risa.

In the 31st minute, Graham Hansen further extended the team's advantage by successfully guiding the ball beyond the reach of Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel from outside the penalty area. This goal demonstrated her worthiness of being included in the team, especially considering the previous controversial decision to bench her in Norway's last match against Switzerland.

The situation worsened for the Philippines as full-back Barker unintentionally scored an own goal just three minutes into the second half. In addition, Reiten successfully converted a penalty five minutes later. Roman Haug secured her third goal with a skillfully executed header in second-half stoppage time, with an assist from Reiten.

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The result means Norway finish second in Group A behind Switzerland, who held New Zealand to a scoreless draw in Sunday's other Group A game.

What's next?

Norway will face the winners of Group C - either Spain or Japan - in their last-16 encounter in Wellington, also on Saturday; kick-off 9am.

What is the Women's World Cup schedule?

The group stage commenced on Monday and will span over a two-week time frame, concluding on August 3. The top teams from each group, as well as the runners-up, will advance to the round of 16, which is set to take place from August 5 to August 8.

The highly anticipated quarter-finals are scheduled for August 11 and 12, and will be hosted in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.

The first semi-final is scheduled for August 15 in Auckland, while the second semi-final will take place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final will be held at the Accor Stadium on August 20. Additionally, a third-place play-off is set to be played in Brisbane on August 19, one day before the final.