Norway slam Dutch hopes in Women's World Cup qualifying

Jonathan Roorda - 24 October 2009 20:00

Women's World Cup 2011

Norway are a big step closer to a spot at the 2011 Women's World Cup following a qualifying win over the Netherlands on Saturday.

The Norwegians faced the Netherlands in their opening qualifying match in this campaign. Both nations reached the semi finals at last month's European Championships and realized that a win in this game would be vital.

Norway began the campaign with a new coach, as Eli Landsem took the position following the European Championships.

After a rather uneventful opening phase, Norway began to gain control of the match, which was played at Fornebu's Nadderud Stadium. The reward came shortly before the break when Daphne Koster handled the ball in her own area. A penalty was awarded and Trine Rønning easily converted for 1-0.

And things became worse for the Dutch when just a minute after the opening goal, Lise Klaveness found Solveig Gulbrandsen in the area for the latter to head home from short range.

The Netherlands did apply a little more pressure on their opponents in the second half but failed to break through the Norwegian defense, except in the 61st minute when an effort from Dyanne Bito was cleared off the line by a defender.

With three minutes left to play, Norway ended all doubts as Isabell Herlovsen converted a left-winged cross for 3-0.

Norway share the Group 2 lead with Slovakia, the latter having a better goal record, but are considered favorites to win this group unless the Netherlands cause them more trouble in their second meeting in June.