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| Photo by PFF. |
By: Gil Moriones
MANILA - Earning a lost in their opener against the host New Zealand and goalless draw with Switzerland, the former 1995 Women's World Cup champions Norway made everything in polish as they easily beat the Philippines in a convincing 6-0 win at Eden Park at Auckland, Sunday afternoon.
The inspired debutants already been shattered at the end of first half after being trailed to 0-3 credited through two goals of Sophie Roman Haug in the 6th and 17th minute and Graham Hansen at 31st minute.
The Women's World Cup perfect attendee continued to become explosive within the pressure of their offense as the Filipinas defender Alisha Barker committed an error after she mistakenly cleared the ball cost to add the Norwegean's score at 0-4 in the 48th minute while Guro Reiten added it to 0-5 from the penalty called after VAR review of potential foul inside the Filipinas' box at 53rd minute.
With the added time of 11 minutes before the final whistle, Haug scored her hattrick through her header at the 90+3 minute to end the party at 6-0.
Hence, the 1987 and 1993 European champions will head to the Round of 16 together with Switzerland of which their final clash against New Zealand was ended into a goalless draw.
Their opponents will be either Japan or Spain depending to the final placement in Group C as the final matches in the latter will happen on Monday.
The Filipinas' next project will be the 19th Asian Games in China wherein they designated to Group E to face familiar contenders of Korea Republic, Hong Kong, and Myanmar to claim their first ever Asiad medal this September.
Besides, they will continue their chase for their first Olympic appearance in the Round 2 of AFC Olympic Qualifying Tournament this October.
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