By Debby von Winckelmann
England came from behind to defeat Norway 2-1 on Monday in Landsdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Canada to advance to the quarterfinals for a match against host Canada.
After a scoreless first half, Norway jumped to the lead in the 54th minute after Solveig Gulbrandsen, parked herself near post on a corner kick and headed it in. England equalized in the 61st minute when Steph Houghton headed in a corner kick, directing it back across the goal and into the net from the far post.
The winner came from Lucy Bronze in the 76th minute, after she sent a hard shot from outside the penalty area and Norway’s goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth tipped it, but couldn’t stop it.
“The first emotion I’m feeling is a sense of pride for the team,” said England’s coach Mark Sampson. “To show that kind of resilience, to come back from a goal down, the players have been immense with their character to come back in that game.”
The teams seemed evenly matched in the first half, although Norway appeared to have the edge, with a couple of early chances. But, Sampson brought in Jill Scott and Jodie Taylor in the second half, and their combination passing looked to switch the advantage to England.
“We seemed to be the stronger team for a long while, and we should’ve finished the match in the first half, but we didn’t,” said Even Pellerud, Norway’s coach. “After England tied, we stressed for no reason, the play on the ball was not as precise and decisive as in the first half. Compliments to my English colleague who made some good tactical changes at half-time.”
For England, the win marks the first time the team has won a game past the group stage.
“The names of these players, this team, will go down in English football history,” Sampson said. “But make no mistake, this journey is not over. Based on our second half performance, we deserved to win that match. We’re going to enjoy today because it is a big win for our country, and then it’ll be back to business and we’re determined to keep this journey going.”
England will travel to Vancouver for its match with Canada on Saturday, June 27.
