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Six-goal Norway ends Filipinas' dream run at World Cup


AUCKLAND, New Zealand July 31 ------ The Philippines’ dream run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup came to an end on a chilly night, as the Filipinas were overwhelmed by world number 12 Norway, 6-0, at the Eden Park.


The Filipinas fell behind early after conceding three goals in the first half against a mighty Norwegian squad that showed the quality that made the nation a 1995 World Cup champion and the 2000 Olympic gold medalist. More goals were registered by a Norway side that needed a cushion to secure a place in the round-of-16, denying the Philippines a Cinderella run in its first-ever appearance at a World Cup. Not even the raucous Filipino crowd from the 34,697 in attendance in the historic venue could rattle the Gresshoppene, who came into the tournament heavily favored to top Group A but had to overcome an injury to top striker Ada Hegerberg and the controversial benching of Caroline Graham Hansen in their previous outing against Switzerland.


Ironically, it was Graham Hansen, a star striker for Barcelona, who deflated the Philippines’ chances in the game with a long-range strike in the 31st minute. Sophie Roman Haug set the tone with two quick goals in the first 16 minutes with a volley in the sixth, and heading home an excellent ball from midfielder Vilde Boe Risa for a 2-0 advantage. Things turned from bad to worse for the Filipinas with defender Alicia Barker conceding an own goal in the 48th and Jaclyn Sawicki caught pushing off Guro Reiten inside the box, enabling Reiten to knock in the penalty kick in the 53rd.


Sofia Harrison, who came in as a substitute in the second half, was also sent off in the 53rd minute after a review on the video assistant referee (VAR) before Haug completed her hat-trick with a header injury time. Still, it remained a respectable showing for the Filipinas, who captivated their fans following their landmark 1-0 win over New Zealand in Wellington last Tuesday that kept their hopes alive on an unlikely trip to the round-of-16 in their first World Cup appearance.


Norway formally claimed its place in the round-of-16 after finishing second to Switzerland in Group A as co-host New Zealand settled for a scoreless draw with the Swiss in the other group match in Dunedin.


Source: spin.ph

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