By Debby von Winckelmann
After Germany opened the scoring in just the 6th minute of play on Thursday at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Canada, it quickly looked like Norway would be the next victim of the German’s prolific scoring abilities.
But, Norway held Germany and fought back with the equalizer in the 61st minute, leaving the top-ranked Germans to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Germany dominated early on, with midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan sending a long, hard shot at Norway’s goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth. Unable to control the ball, Hjelmseth knocked it down in front of Mittag, who easily tapped it in.
The Germans continued to attack, taking 17 shots before the Norwegians were able to put forth their first real threat – a shot by Isabell Herlovsen in the 43rd minute that German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer saved, preserving Germany’s 1-0 lead at the half.
Norway’s coach Even Pellerud brought in Solveig Gulbranson for Gry Tofte Ims at the break and Norway’s passing and possession improved.
Norway earned a free-kick after Herlovsen was taken down by Saskia Bartusiak just outside of the penalty area in the 61st minute. Maren Mjelde sent a perfectly-placed shot over the wall of Germans and into the upper left corner to even the match at 1-1.
After scoring 10 goals in their opening match against the Ivory Coast, the Germans couldn’t finish their chances, after despite taking 27 shots to Norway’s four.
“When we had the ball, we had too many bad passes – in the midfield, at the back, and up front – and then, Norway gained hope,” said Silvia Neid, Germany’s coach. “We tried to go through the middle, where there was no room at all, whereas in the first half we played well out wide. All in all, looking at the stats, we were the better team.”
Pellerud acknowledged the German’s dominance in the first half, but thought his team deserved the draw.
“I thought we had developed a really good game plan before the match, but nothing worked in the first half,” Pellerud said. “I’m very pleased with the second half and of course with the result. At half-time, for me, it was not about changing the game plan, but more about changing the attitude of the team. (Solveig Gulbranson’s half-time entrance) changed the whole outlook and approach of her team-mates – they were confident passing in the midfield to her, and she has a good presence. The end result was fair, but we were lucky – (Germany) could have killed this game in the first half.”
Germany is likely to win the group, given their 10-goal differential and Norway is also likely to advance.
But, while the Germans 10-0 win in their opening match may have struck some fear in the hearts of the opposition, Thursday’s draw may give other team’s some hope that the Germans are beatable.
