Hegerberg stopped with an injury as Norway secured a WC ticket in Riise’s debut – VG
Belgium – Norway 0-1 (0-0)
Spectators: 8500 at the Den Dreef stadium. Goal: 0-1 Tuva Hansen (61). Judge: Esther Staubli, Switzerland – 5. Yellow card: B: Wullaert, Tysiak. N: Mjelde, Ildhusøy, Román Haug.
NORWAY (4–3–3):
Aurora Mikalsen – 7. Norway’s best. Keeps Norway largely in the game in the first half, even if she is not put to the greatest tests. Uses the time well on occasion, and gets pipe concerts – and helps to frustrate the home team. Shows more experience than the two international matches would suggest.
Anja Sønstevold – 5. Belgium creates a number of chances on Sønstevold’s side in the first half, has better control in the second.
Guro Bergsvand – 5. Struggles along with Mjelde a bit with Wullaert in the first half, but they figure it out in the second.
Maren Mjelde − 6. Rises significantly in the second half after a slightly messy first and takes away the very, very most. Saves a Belgian equalizer right on the eve of the match. Leads the defense as a captain should, especially in the second half.
Tuva Hansen – 6. What a score! Messes up a bit defensively on some occasions, but several good contributions offensively. It tops it all when she breaks the ball high in the field and taps the crossbar.
Frida Maanum – 6. Several good contributions offensively from his inside runner role. Creates Norway’s first chance in an otherwise somewhat awkward first half.
Ingrid Syrstad Engen – 4. Was run around a bit in the first half and struggles to dominate with the ball. Lays down in the stopper joint and helps to secure the victory.
Guro Reiten − 5. Struggles a bit with set-piece precision, although some chances are created. The precision was not quite at Reiten level this time.
Elisabeth Terland – 4. Store looked to fill in Caroline Graham Hansen’s absence, a player it is unfair to compare most people with. Some excellent contributions offensively, but a couple of ugly slips defensively could cost dearly.
Ada Hegerberg – 5. Fought hard, but this was not her match – and it was only almost and she never gets into a good finishing position. Unfortunately for Hegerberg, he was ruined by an injury in the second half. Went off for own machine.
Julie Blakstad – 6. Works hard and plays Maanum up for a good chance in the second half with a clever pass. Otherwise it was mostly almost.
Coach Hege Riise – 7. Has obviously raised morale in the team. A lot of pressure against Belgium and the best imaginable start as national team manager. However, she is right that it is not a beautiful game from their side, but good defensive play in the second half secured the victory. Did the job they came for.
Too little playing time to be rated: Celin Bizet Ildhusøy (in for Ada Hegerberg in the 67th minute), Emilie Joramo (in for Frida Maanum in the 77th minute) and Sophie Román Haug (in for Elisabeth Terland in the 86th minute).
Rated by: Jens Friberg and Øyvind Herrebrøden.