Norway was supposed to be a major group-stage test for England, which is aiming to bring home Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil.
Instead, the Lionesses destroyed Norway in a stunning 8-0 victory, laying down a marker as a tournament favorite while humiliating the Scandinavians in a record-setting performance.
England had only snuck by Austria 1-0 in its Group A opener but Monday’s follow-up at the Amex Stadium in Brighton was a comprehensive demonstration of the attacking prowess that Sarina Wiegman’s team possesses.
How bad did it get for Norway? England had already tied a Euros record for most goals in a single game by halftime.
6 – In one half, England have equalled the most goals ever scored by a team in a full game in UEFA Women's Euros history (Germany 6-2 v England in 2009 and England 6-0 v Scotland in 2017). Floodgates. pic.twitter.com/R2L5xCEcnn
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2022
That record fell in the second half as substitute Alessia Russo’s header made it 7-0.
The pair of Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead caused Norway all kinds of problems on the flanks, with the former scoring one and the latter scoring a hat trick, while striker Ellen White also added two goals.
Norway boasts a star-studded attack including the superstar duo of Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg, but its defense was considered a potential liability heading into the tournament.
Consider those fears realized.
Still, Norway won its first game against Northern Ireland, meaning a win against Austria in its group finale will still secure a berth in the quarterfinals. Based on Monday’s performance, there is plenty of work to do.
England, meanwhile, clinched a spot in the last eight and on this evidence appears primed for a deep run on home soil. If nothing else, the Lionesses will long remember a night in Brighton when everything went right.
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