Women’s World Cup: Norway thrash the Philippines to progress to last 16

A Sophie Haug hat-trick helped Norway earn their first win at the Women’s World Cup with a six-goal thrashing of the Philippines.

The 1995 champions had failed to win in their opening two matches but the result was enough to send them through to the last 16 ahead of New Zealand on goal difference.

A win for New Zealand over Switzerland would have put Norway out, but the co-hosts could only manage a goalless draw.

The result was beyond doubt within the opening half-hour, with Haug netting the first two before Caroline Graham Hansen added a third.

Haug opened the scoring with a superb back-post volley before heading over Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.

Graham Hansen made it three with the best goal of the game, finding the bottom left corner from long range.

It was four just after the break when Alicia Barker deflected a cross into her own net before Guro Reiten stepped up to convert a penalty kick after VAR judged that she was fouled in the area.

The Philippines day got worse when substitute Sofia Harrison was shown a red card for a stamp on Thea Bjelde.

Haug completed her hat-trick five minutes into stoppage time when she headed into the near post.

Norway will face either Spain or Japan in the second round on Saturday.

Cover Photo: Norway – day 8. Hammerfest, Norwegian flag.” by Anne & David (Use Albums) is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0 .