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Women’s World Cup: Norway defeat South Korea to seal advancement

(Photo: Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Norway defeated South Korea 2-1 to seal their place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

The objective was simple for Norway, win and you’re in.

Norway headed into its Group A finale against South Korea needing three points to cement its spot in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup. Norway’s spot in the next round was a little more precarious after Nigeria’s win over South Korea left the two teams tied for second place in Group A. Still, with a win over Nigeria in hand, Norway knew they still controlled their own destiny.

Control their destiny they did. Penalty kick goals by Caroline Hansen and Isabell Herlovsen got Norway going and while South Korea made things a little more interesting late in the second half, the two penalties were still enough for Norway to clinch second place in Group A following its 2-1 win in Rennes.

Norway got a break five minutes in. It came from a Norway corner kick, as Cho So-hyun wrestled Maria Thorisdottir to the ground inside the six-yard box and the call was made for the penalty spot. Caroline Hansen stepped up to the penalty spot and sent the shot past keeper Kim Min-jung to the left side to give Norway an early lead.

Norway went back to the penalty spot in the 49th minute. It happened when Hansen and Kang Chae-rim both chased down an open ball in the penalty area, Kang attempted a slide tackle, but was too early, and ended up tackling Hansen inside the penalty area, and Norway was subsequently awarded another penalty. This time, it was Isabell Herlovsen who stepped up to the penalty spot, and she beat Min-jung to the left to double Norway’s lead.

South Korea though did not go down without a fight. Lee Guen-min had the ball inside the penalty area in the 78th minute, then back-heeled a ball between the legs of Ingrid Wold to Yeo Min-ji, who evaded Maren Mjelde and fired a sliding shot that beat keeper Ingrid Hjelmseth. Despite the new life afforded to South Korea, Norway was able to hold on for the win and progress.