Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen gives Northern Ireland a mountain to climb | Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers
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One way to ensure that the best teams compete at major tournaments, regardless of qualification gaps, is to hold a draw for the playoffs. Northern Ireland is yet another victim of this scenario after Norway claimed their first win in Larne. There was at least proof, if need be, that the European Championships would be a better place for Caroline Graham Hansen to participate. A major tournament without her would seem absurd.
There were questions of how on earth Norway ended up in a playoff in the first place; Gemma Granger’s side showed their disdain for the environment they needed within 26 minutes, by which stage they were 3-0 up. It didn’t get any better for Northern Ireland after that. A four-goal deficit will prove insurmountable barring some form of sporting miracle.
During this torrid early period for Northern Ireland, Graham Hansen had effectively settled the tie. The Barcelona man was in that rare, anointed position in modern football to be handed a free role. The hosts had no answer. In their defense, much better teams would find themselves in the same situation. Graeme Hansen dictated all that was good about Norway’s visionary impulse.
48 by Graham Hansenth the international target opened the floodgates. Emily Waldwick wobbled and writhed to her right. Her cross was flicked on by Frida Maanum. As the Northern Ireland defenders were dragged to the ball, Graeme Hansen was left with little more than a push. Norway had to use their right flank to torment Northern Ireland in the first half.
A Vilde Bøe Risa corner set up goal number two. Two Northern Ireland headers might have been enough to clear the lines against less stellar opposition. Instead, Tuva Hansen stepped forward to smash a low shot into the net from 22 yards. Jacqueline Burns was a combination of helpless and blind.
Enter Graham Hansen in blue-chip style for Norway’s third-place finish. The 29-year-old collected the ball from the halfway line and finished a blissfully easy one-two before beating Burns at her near post. The only surprise was that three remained the difference in Norway’s superiority by half-time.
To Northern Ireland’s credit, the second period was a non-event until the nasty affair that allowed Norway to claim fourth. Burns let the corner slip through her hands and Guro Bergsvand was the happy beneficiary. Northern Ireland then recovered but lacked attacking punch.
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The visitors introduced Ada Hegerberg as the Lyon player chased her 50th goal at the international level. She will have to wait and so will Graham Hansen. Perhaps these corner chases will be the most significant element of Tuesday night in Oslo. Norway, who were based in Leeds in the build-up to this match, took the boat to Northern Ireland after fog threw flight plans into chaos. There will be a much smoother path to the finals. Northern Ireland have been given a stark reminder of the level to which they must aspire. But they will strive; which serves a purpose in itself.
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