July 12 – A match most predicted would be extremely tight ended up with a sensational 8-0 England demolition of two-time champions Norway on Monday as the host nation became the first country to reach the quarterfinals at the women’s Euros.
The margin of victory was the highest in the history of the tournament and included a hattrick by Beth Mead in a ruthless display that sent shockwaves across the women’s game.
After two straight wins, England completes Group A on Friday against Northern Ireland, who lost 2-0 to Austria in Monday’s other game and were eliminated.
England, who are on their longest ever unbeaten run of 16 games, became the first team to score seven in a European Championship game, let alone eight.
Norway, playing in their 12th Euros – the joint most along with Italy – had thrashed Northern Ireland 4-1 in their opening game but were annihilated by the Lionesses even with a team featuring Ada Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Champions League.
After winning the 2017 European Championship leading her native Netherlands, England coach Sarina Wiegman is looking to deliver England’s first major women’s title.
“What’s going on here? That was going through my mind,” said a jubilant Wiegman. “It was a very special night. We really exploited their weaknesses but at the same time it’s just one game. We’ll enjoy the moment but we’ll stay really grounded.”
By contrast Norway coach Martin Sjögren, whose team now need to bounce back against Austria to keep their hopes alive, commented: “Everyone feels devastated. I really feel terrible for the players in a game we had been looking forward to for some time. We thought we had a good plan and played well at the start. The last 85 minutes were horrible.”
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