Norway 6-0 Philippines: Sophie Roman Haug treble helps former champions ease into Women’s World Cup round of 16

A rampant Norway booked their place in the World Cup last 16 by demolishing the Philippines 6-0 in Group A as Sophie Roman Haug hit a brilliant hat-trick in Auckland.

Needing a victory to stay alive in the tournament after losing to New Zealand and drawing with Switzerland in their first two fixtures, Hege Riise’s side finally unearthed some sparkling form to finalise qualification as group runners-up at Eden Park.

The former world champions knew prior to the match that a three-goal winning margin would render the other fixture meaningless between eliminated co-hosts New Zealand and Group A winners Switzerland – who drew 0-0 in Dunedin – in terms of their own fate.

They were impressive from the outset as Haug gave them the lead with a delightful volley on six minutes before the Roma striker added a second with a looping header 11 minutes later.

With Norway carving up their opponents at will, Caroline Graham Hansen weighed in with a superb third from distance against a side ranked at 46 in the world, who suddenly felt the weight of confronting slick and superior opponents.

It was all over at that stage, but an unfortunate Alicia Barker own goal on 48 minutes was followed by Guro Reiten’s penalty conversion after the VAR decision correctly deemed she had been fouled.

Amid the obvious frustration, substitute Sofia Harrison was sent off on 67 minutes – 10 minutes after replacing Isabella Flanigan – for the Philippines after seeing VAR upgrade a yellow to red for a late challenge on Thea Bjelde.

Haug nodded home her hat-trick deep into added time to complete the rout for Norway.

The Philippines depart the competition after marking their World Cup debut with a memorable 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand.

Norway progress to a meeting with the winner of Group C – Japan or Spain in Wellington on Saturday – with the Swiss facing the runners-up of Group C in Auckland.

They say you should always do your talking on the field of play in professional sport. Or in the wider world. In such a respect, this World Cup has suddenly heard loud and clear from a rejuvenated Norway, who reserved their Sunday best by filleting the Philippines.

Caroline Graham Hansen, the Barcelona forward, had said she had “not been shown respect” after being dropped for the draw with Switzerland following defeat to New Zealand that left Norway facing an untimely early exit from the tournament.

Missing the clinical edge of former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who suffered a groin strain ahead of the 0-0 draw with the Swiss, there was serious strain on the former world champions before they stepped onto an Eden Park pitch that is used to playing host to the all-conquering All Blacks in Rugby Union.

The All Reds were equally as impressive in stifling inferior opponents from the outset with their slick movement and aerial prowess particularly effective in deflating the Philippines within the first half hour or so.

It was perhaps fitting that the restored Graham Hansen drilled a majestic third into the net to go with Sophie Roman Haug’s early double to ensure Norway would avoid any sense of calamity before the second half turned into a one-sided stroll towards the last 16.

Next up is Japan or Spain in the last 16 on Saturday. They will relish the prospect of making further progression at the World Cup if they can align similar energy with such technical excellence.

In the absense of the injured Ada Hegerberg, Haug took the opportunity to show off her finishing talents to the full with a masterful display in putting less gifted opponents to the sword.

At times, the Philippines’ defensive line found her unplayable and the Roma player was unfortunate not to add a fourth when she clipped a post with another fine effort in 11 minutes of added time.

Brilliant in the air and bamboozling on the deck, Haug – who became the fourth Norway player to score a hat-trick at a women’s World Cup – symbolised all that was good about a slick Norway side after a stuttering start to the tournament finally exploded into magnificent life in Auckland.

Norway: Aurora Mikalsen 7, Mathilde Harviken 7, Maren Mjelde 7, Tuva Hansen 7, Thea Bjelde 7, Vilde Boe Risa 8, Guro Reiten 8, Frida Maanum 8, Sophie Román Haug 9, Emilie Haavi 7, Caroline Graham Hansen 8. Subs: Guro Bergsvand 6, Anja Sonstevold 6, Ingrid Syrstad Engen 6, Karina Saevik 6, Anna Josendal 6

Philippines: Olivia McDaniel 6, Jessika Cowart 5, Angela Beard 5, Hali Long 5, Sara Eggesvik 5, Quinley Quezada 5, Jaclyn Sawicki 5, Sarina Bolden 5, Alicia Barker 5, Isabella Flanigan 4, Katrina Guillou 4. Subs: Dominique Randle 5, Ryley Bugay 5, Meryll Serrano 4, Chandler McDaniel 4, Sofia Harrison 4

6′ NORWAY HAVE THE LEAD! – Thea Bjelde with a nice cross and Sophie Haug is on hand to volley back across goal and into the net. No chance for the keeper. Her sixth goal for Norway and first at this tournament. In off the post. Was a fine finish. A dream start for the favourites.

17′ A SECOND FOR NORWAY! – And it is Haug with a brilliant header that loops over the keeper Olivia McDaniel to nestle in the net. Lovely cross from Vilde Bøe Risa. 2-0 to Norway.

31′ AND THERE IS NUMBER THREE! – Caroline Graham Hansen turns to thump a low shot into the corner of the net from 22 yards. A delightful finish for her 45th goal for Norway. And that makes it three. So one-sided out there. More goals to come surely and Norway well on course for the last 16.

48′ A FOURTH GOAL FOR NORWAY! – Well, just about sums it all up as Alicia Barker knocks a cross into her own net. Under pressure from the red shirts, she clips the ball into the goal and that is 4-0 to Norway. All going wrong for the Philippines.

52′ A FIFTH FOR NORWAY! – Guro Reiten has been taken out by Jaclyn Sawicki. Decision correctly awarded by VAR and Reiten converts the penalty. Sends the keeper the wrong way. Norway move 5-0 ahead. On course for the last 16 now. With a clubbing win.

90+5′ AND THERE IS THE SIXTH! – The hat-trick for the magnificent Sophie Román Haug as she nods home the Guro Reiten cross. Brilliant finish and no more than she deserved.