Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023: Norway thrash Philippines at Eden Park, dump New Zealand out of tournament

Norway's Sophie Roman Haug, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's sixth goal. Photo / AP

Sophie Roman Haug’s hat trick kick-started Norway’s dormant offence and sparked a 6-0 blowout win over the Philippines on Sunday that moved the Norwegians into to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.

The Philippines’ debut run in the tournament came to an end as Norway scored early and often, netting three goals in the first 31 minutes.

Norway’s spot in the round of 16 was secured when Switzerland and New Zealand simultaneously played to a 0-0 draw and the Norwegians cruised to victory.

Norway and New Zealand were tied in Group A but Norway advanced on goal differential.

New Zealand became the first host country to be eliminated in the group stage in tournament history.

Before the game, Norway had not scored in three consecutive Women’s World Cup matches, dating to the quarter-finals of the 2019 tournament.

But Roman Haug one-timed a ball into the net in the sixth minute, and scored again 11 minutes later. Caroline Graham Hansen added a long-distance shot in the 31st minute and Roman Haug completed the hat-trick in injury time of the first half.

In the second half, an Alicia Barker own goal in the 48th minute and Guro Reiten’s penalty kick in the 53rd minute extended Norway’s lead to 5-0. Filipina defender Sofia Harrison received a red card in the 67th minute for using excessive force, and the Philippines played the rest of the match a player down.

Eden Park was turned into a makeshift home match for the Philippines, as the Filipina fans screamed in unison any time the Philippines touched the ball, even as the deficit grew. The Philippines were fresh off a historic 1-0 win over co-host New Zealand that marked the first Women’s World Cup win for the debutantes.

Norway will play either Japan or Spain in the round of 16 next Saturday, depending on the results of a game between those Group C teams on Monday. The inaugural tournament run ends for the Philippines, who needed at least a draw to have a chance of moving on.

- AP