The Norway thread

Toppserien 2017 - Matchday 7. This giornata brought us 17 goals, a goalkeeper assist, an outfield player turning goalkeeper sent off, more Guro Reiten moments, and an uncomfortable Avaldsnes team pushed to the brink. It's also interesting that the Western Norwegian clubs currently outnumber the traditional Oslo block in the top 5.

Trondheims-Ørn vs Grand Bodø 3-1
0-1 Vilde Fjelldal 7
1-1 Oda Fugelsnes (Kristine Nøstmo) 47
2-1 Tina Fremo (Svanhild Sand) 65
3-1 Oda Fugelsnes (Rakel Engesvik) 90
Predictable outcome, even if the home team woke up late. Injury-prone Vilde Fjelldal made her first appearance for Grand this season and celebrated with a fine solo-goal early on, but Ørn struck back in the second half with some great goals themselves and picked up their first win since the season opener. This season's first goalkeeper assist came from Kristine Nøstmo - hardly surprising. The length she normally gets on her goal-kicks is world class.

Sandviken vs LSK Kvinner 1-2
0-1 Guro Reiten 18
0-2 Isabell Bachor (Guro Reiten) 55
1-2 Elida Knudsen (Sina Tosterud) 88
Guro Reiten is the girl in the limelight yet again. This time she picked up an easy ball in the penalty box and buried it. A typical sign of a girl in the flow. This was not a spectacular performance by LSK, far from it, but enough to win in Bergen against a struggling club. Sandviken fought well in the absence of their Dutch playmaker Marije Brummel. I still believe they will get their wins sooner or later. Being in the relegation battle after only conceding nine goals in six games is quite uncommon.

Kolbotn vs Klepp 0-2
0-1 Kirsty Yallop 41
0-2 Hanne Kogstad 61
Kolbotn's misery continues. Four straight losses without scoring a goal now. And Nora Eide Lie was not on the field again or the bench. Reason? I don't know. This was a drab match played on a very dry and bumpy pitch which didn't help the quality either, but at least we got to see a nice "roulette" by Tameka Butt moments before Yallop's opening goal. Klepp have their eyes further up on the table now, and the defence is looking better and better. Thorisdottir is improving. Good for Norway.

Avaldsnes vs Arna Bjørnar 2-2
0-1 Cecilie R. Kvamme (Amalie Eikeland) 9
1-1 Daiane Santos (Andrine Tomter) 11
1-2 Amalie Eikeland 22
2-2 Emily Gielnik (Elise Thorsnes) 69
This weekend's top match brought together two unbeaten teams - and it stayed that way after the final whistle also. In a familiar way, Arna Bjørnar threw away the lead twice in this game, but managed to hang on to a draw after Avaldsnes wasted a couple of big chances at the end. A-B coach Morten Røssland said quite accurately in the post-match interview: "we outplayed them for 70 minutes". With Alyssa Giannetti slightly injured after a knock last week, the Bergen team had to use the considerably weaker back-up goalkeeper in this match, and one of the goals conceded was indeed very soft. Avaldsnes looked like an inferior team to A-B for a majority of this match, particularly regarding the passing game, but with Gielnik and Thorsnes up front they have pace and power to punish opponents on the counter-attacks. Avaldsnes have already dropped four points at home this season - before hosting LSK - and being dominated possession wise the way they were here, can't be very satisfying for a club with the ambitions of Avaldsnes. Or are we all just underestimating the potential of Arna Bjørnar? Time will tell.

Røa vs Medkila 4-0
1-0 Vilde Hasund (Therese S. Åsland) 10
2-0 Therese S. Åsland (Marita Iversen) 71
3-0 Nora Byom Nilssen 78
4-0 Gunhild Herregården 85 (pen)
This was a rather close contest until about an hour when Medkila's goalkeeper Megan Kufeld suffered a head injury and was stretchered off. Unfortunately, there was no back-up goalie on the subs bench, so non-diving midfielder Kristine Amundsen stepped in instead. And she later got herself sent off! Medkila haven't had much luck lately. Tiff McCarty is still injured and Krystina Iordanou, who scored in the opening game, is still in America finishing her exams. At this moment we don't know the seriousness of Kufeld's injury. Røa won their first home game this season, but never impressed. They also had a keyplayer out injured - Lisa Marie Utland.



TOP SCORERS
11 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
6 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
6 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
6 - Tameka Butt, Klepp
6 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
6 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
5 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
4 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
3 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
3 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
3 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
3 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
3 - Ingrid Kvernvolden, LSK Kvinner
3 - Cesilie Andreassen, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Ine Marie Wedaa, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
2 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
2 - Juliette Kemppi, Kolbotn
2 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
2 - Anja Rasmussen, Medkila
2 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
2 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
2 - Frida Maanum, Stabæk
2 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
2 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga

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1 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Helene Gloppen, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Cecilie R. Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Ingrid Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Meryll Abrahamsen, Avaldsnes
1 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
1 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
1 - Daiane Santos, Avaldsnes
1 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
1 - Synne Vatnem, Avaldsnes
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Linda Ruutu, Grand Bodø
1 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
1 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
1 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
1 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Krystina Iordanou, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
1 - June Hammersland, Sandviken
1 - Stine Hovland, Sandviken
1 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
1 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
1 - Elida Knudsen, Sandviken
1 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
1 - Martine Flakk, Stabæk
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
1 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
1 - Stine Reinås, Stabæk
1 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
1 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
1 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga

ASSISTS
5 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
4 - Elise Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
4 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
4 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
3 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
3 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
3 - Sigrid Helbostad, Grand Bodø
3 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
3 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
3 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
3 - Johanne Fridlund, Vålerenga
2 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Amalie Johnsen, Grand Bodø
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
2 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Marita Iversen, Røa
2 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
2 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn

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1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Andreia Rosa, Avaldsnes
1 - Gema Simon, Avaldsnes
1 - Sara Eggesvik, Grand Bodø
1 - Savannah Francis, Grand Bodø
1 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Marie Andresen, Klepp
1 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
1 - Tuva Hansen, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
1 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anna Westerlund, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
1 - Maria Hustad, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
1 - Ingvild Isaksen, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
1 - Trine Rønning, Stabæk
1 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristine Nøstmo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Svanhild Sand, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
1 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

NEXT MATCHDAY
3 June: Arna Bjørnar vs Stabæk (3:00pm)
3 June: LSK Kvinner vs Kolbotn (3:00pm)
3 June: Klepp vs Trondheims-Ørn (3:00pm)
4 June: Røa vs Avaldsnes (2:00pm)
4 June: Grand Bodø vs Sandviken (3:00pm)
4 June: Medkila vs Vålerenga (3:00pm)

 

NT coach Martin Sjögren has selected his much anticipated squad for the home friendly against the USA on June 11 in Sandefjord. After seven rounds of Toppserien, there was an extra touch of excitement attached to this selection, because it was Sjögren's first based on seeing all the domestic players in action.

Goalkeepers
Ingrid Hjelmseth (Stabæk)
Cecilie Fiskerstrand (LSK Kvinner)

Defenders
Maren Mjelde (Chelsea)
Ingrid Moe Wold (LSK Kvinner)
Elise Thorsnes (Avaldsnes)
Nora Holstad Berge (Bayern Munich)
Maria Thorisdottir (Klepp)
Tuva Hansen (Klepp)
Kristine Leine (Røa)

Midfielders
Ingvild Isaksen (Stabæk)
Ingrid Spord (LSK Kvinner)
Ingrid Schjelderup (Eskilstuna United)
Anja Sønstevold (LSK Kvinner)
Andrine Hegerberg (Birmingham City)
Guro Reiten (LSK Kvinner)
Karina Sævik (Kolbotn)

Forwards
Synne Jensen (Stabæk)
Kristine Minde (Linköping)
Ada Hegerberg (Olympique Lyonnais)
Lisa-Marie Utland (Røa)
Emilie Haavi (Boston Breakers)
Caroline G. Hansen (Wolfsburg)

Since last time:
Out: Kristine Nøstmo, Stine Reinås
In: Kristine Leine, Karina Sævik

Two surprises. Kristine Leine has ousted Stine Reinås at centre-back and Karina Sævik in midfield was a bolt from the blue given Kolbotn's abysmal start. Lisa Marie Utland is still doubtful, but has been pre-selected anyway. Will be replaced if still injured.

 

The second round of the NM Cup is here. The road to Telenor Arena and the cupfinal started this midweek when the top level clubs joined the competition.

Molde (L3) vs Trondheims-Ørn .............. 0-3
Engen 50, Myrseth 61, Engesvik 85

Stabæk vs Fart (L2) ............................... 3-0
Maanum 69, Bjånesøy 81, S.Jensen 86

Åsane (L2) vs Avaldsnes ...................... 1-8
Å: Seim 50 || A: Thorsnes 5, 25, 26, 59,
Tomter 11, Gielnik 22, Vatnem 70, Ryland 87

Bossekop (L2) vs Tromsø (L3) .............. 1-0
Pedersen 90

Grei (L2) vs Urædd (L2) ........................ 2-0
Fera 57, 69

Tromsdalen (L3) vs Medkila .................. 2-0
Meyer 37, Wang 90(pen)

Amazon Grimstad (L2) vs Klepp ........... 0-2
Butt 44, Kogstad 86

Kaupanger (L3) vs Sandviken ............... 0-1
Knudsen 90

Fortuna Ålesund (L3) vs LSK Kvinner .... 0-7
Reiten 21, Sønstevold 33, 44, 79, own-goal 37,
Kvernvolden 63, Spord 90

Innstrandens (L3) vs Grand Bodø ...........1-6
I: Tollånes 7 || GB: T.S.Jensen 10, 57(both pens),
Francis 21, Nordheim 40, 45, 84

Arna Bjørnar vs Fyllingsdalen (L3) ......... 2-0
Nygard 10, Fletcher 64

Kil/Hemne (L2) vs Byåsen (L2) ............. 2-3 (a.e.t.)
K: Snekvik 20, Meyer 70 || B: Rosøy 7(og),
Holum 64, Adserø 114

Lier (L3) vs Kolbotn ................................ 0-9
Gausdal 8, 83, 87, Sævik 39, 78, Kemppi 56,
Lund 59, Døvle 80, Johansen 90

Nanset (L3) vs Lyn (L2) .......................... 0-2
Haga 6, C.Huseby 88

Predictable outcomes in most matches. A number of top clubs rested key players for the upcoming weekend's Toppserien matches, so the scorelines weren't always as one-sided as they could have been.

But the story of the night is Medkila crashing out to Tromsdalen from Level 3. Medkila started with an outfield player in goal, Louise Normann, as Megan Kufeld wasn't declared fit for this game. The American had to sew eight stitches in her head after the collision against Røa last Sunday. I can't believe Medkila couldn't find a reserve goalkeeper anywhere for this match. And if that wasn't enough, coach Margunn Haugenes, ex-Norway international, now 47 years old, put herself on in the second half! And when Tromsdalen scored the last goal on a penalty, "goalkeeper" Normann got herself sent off! I wonder who is putting on the gloves against Vålerenga on Sunday.

Remaining second round matches:
1 June: Snøgg (L3) vs Røa
15 June: Fløya (L2) vs Vålerenga

 

No news on McCarty, but everything so far points to her injury being short-term. Medkila aren't very good updating their news channels in general, and even less so when things are going extra bad. Haugenes described this loss tonight for a local paper as "an all-time low" for the club. I read just now on a play-by-play thread in a local media that Medkila's back-up keeper also is injured. It can only go up from here.

 

Toppserien - Matchday 8. Can Arna Bjørnar launch themselves as a candidate in the title race with a win vs Stabæk? Can Røa put a dent in Avaldsnes' title ambitions? Can Medkila lift themselves from the misery? Will Sandviken finally get a win? Lots of questions to be answered this weekend.

Stream links:

3 June: Arna Bjørnar vs Stabæk (3:00pm)
3 June: LSK Kvinner vs Kolbotn (3:00pm)
3 June: Klepp vs Trondheims-Ørn (3:00pm)
4 June: Røa vs Avaldsnes (2:00pm)
4 June: Grand Bodø vs Sandviken (3:00pm)
4 June: Medkila vs Vålerenga (3:00pm)

- o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o -

Then we also have the draw for the third round of the NM Cup. All matches to be played 21 June.

Kolbotn vs Arna Bjørnar
Vålerenga or Fløya (L2) vs Røa *
LSK kvinner vs Grei Elite (L2)
Lyn (L2) vs Klepp
Sandviken vs Avaldsnes
Byåsen (L2) vs Stabæk
Grand Bodø vs Bossekop (L2)
Tromsdalen (L3) vs Trondheims/Ørn

* Vålerenga vs Fløya is played June 15.

 

Toppserien 2017 - Matchday 8. This round gave us 22 goals and very few changes on the table as all top teams drew. I'm getting the feeling we could have 4-5 teams in the title race for very long this year.

Arna Bjørnar vs Stabæk 1-1
1-0 Lisa Naalsund (Josee Nahi) 1
1-1 Mina Kjørum 66
The top match this round started with a goal after only 38 seconds - before Stabæk had even touched the ball. Lisa Naalsund scored with a bullet following eleven uninterruped passes. A-B now already have eleven different goalscorers this season, so the goals literally come from all over the team, but they lack the one typical topscorer type. Dagbladet's web stream was down for long periods of this match (a recurring problem), but Arna-Bjørnar looked in control for most of the time when pictures were available. They were however let down by a poor clearance by the back-up goalkeeper Benedicte Håland which Mina Kjørum took full advantage of and equalized. Arna Bjørnar have pretty much been the best team in all eight Toppserien games this season, but have had to settle for draws in five of them.

LSK Kvinner vs Kolbotn 0-0
This has got to be the most shocking result so far this season. The Kolbotn goalkeeper I criticized in a post a while ago, Aurora Mikalsen, played brilliantly in this match. Guro Reiten had a shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, but from the only camera angle available, it was impossible to decide whether the ball crossed the line or not. Kolbotn's newly selected NT player Karina Sævik had a good game. Kolbotn failed to score for the fifth game running, but still managed to salvage a point against the champions who had an off-day.

Klepp vs Trondheims-Ørn 1-0
1-0 Elisabeth Terland 47
Klepp are flying high this season, currently in fourth place and today with a 16 year old match-winner; Elisabeth Terland's first ever Toppserien goal. Captain Gry Tofte Ims came on as a substitute and made her first appearance since giving birth this spring. Matilde Rogde, Toppserien's Young Player of the Year 2016, was back on the bench after the injury many feared would keep her out for the whole season, but young legs heal fast apparently. She should have been a certain starter for Norway at the U17 Euros. The future now looks bright for this club from the agricultural heartland of Norway, which fittingly enough have small tractors integrated in their shirt design.

Røa vs Avaldsnes 3-3
1-0 Ina Skaug (Lisa-Marie Utland) 27
2-0 Lisa-Marie Utland (Therese S. Åsland) 30
2-1 Cecilie Pedersen (Andreia Rosa) 49
2-2 Luana Bertolucci (Cecilie Pedersen) 55
3-2 Lisa-Marie Utland (Therese S. Åsland) 72
3-3 Luana Bertolucci (Elise Thorsnes) 87
Yet another entertaining game at Røabanen. It's been many of them this season, but unfortunately few wins for the home team. Røa had Lisa-Marie Utland back after injury, and she was involved in all Røa goals today. Some real quality goals in this game overall with nice assists, the best was probably Therese Åsland's first to Utland for 2-0. Like last weekend against Arna-Bjørnar, Avaldsnes came from behind twice to get a draw. They hang on at the top, but only just.

Medkila vs Vålerenga 1-6
0-1 Gunnhildur Jonsdottir (Aivi Luik) 5
0-2 Elise Krieghoff 46
0-3 Maren Hauge (Theresa Nielsen) 48
1-3 Martine Olsen (Ida Fossem) 64
1-4 Elise Krieghoff (Theresa Nielsen) 81
1-5 Aivi Luik (Theresa Nielsen) 83
1-6 Elise Krieghoff (Gunnhildur Jonsdottir) 90
It's not often you see a football match at elite level with an age difference of 31 years between youngest and oldest player and a centre-back as goalkeeper in the starting line-up, but at Medkila everything is possible. With a long list of injuries and several other players on red card suspensions, coach Margunn Haugenes (47 y/o) put herself in from start at centre-back and Alex Quincey put on the gloves. The spring season has been a nightmare for the Northerners. Vålerenga almost felt pity when they scored these last few goals towards the end. It was like knocking someone already down. The upcoming international break (and the summer break) can't come fast enough for Medkila.

Grand Bodø vs Sandviken 1-5
0-1 Marina Jensen (Marije Brummel) 19
0-2 Sofie Skjelstad Jensen (Sina Tosterud) 31
0-3 Sofie Skjelstad Jensen (Marina Jensen) 43
0-4 Marije Brummel 84
0-5 Vilde Øyri (Sina Tosterud) 89
1-5 Synnøve Hafnor (Vilde Fjelldal) 90
A nightmare result also for the other Northern club. When Sandviken finally got their win, it was a blow-out. In this match we also had the rare occasion of twins playing opposite each other. Sofie (Sandviken forward) and Trine (GB defender) Skjelstad Jensen. Sofie scored two goals today, and both sisters are now on three goals this season. Dutch playmaker Marije Brummel had a very good game for Sandviken also.



TOP SCORERS
11 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
7 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
6 - Emily Gielnik, Avaldsnes
6 - Anne-Marthe Birkeland, Grand Bodø
6 - Tameka Butt, Klepp
6 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
6 - Melissa Bjånesøy, Stabæk
4 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
3 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
3 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
3 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
3 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
3 - Hanne Kogstad, Klepp
3 - Ingrid Kvernvolden, LSK Kvinner
3 - Sofie Skjelstad Jensen, Sandviken
3 - Cesilie Andreassen, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
3 - Maren Hauge, Vålerenga
3 - Elise Krieghoff, Vålerenga

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2 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Emilie Nautnes, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Ine Marie Wedaa, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Luana Bertolucci, Avaldsnes
2 - Synnøve Hafnor, Grand Bodø
2 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
2 - Juliette Kemppi, Kolbotn
2 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
2 - Anja Rasmussen, Medkila
2 - Vilde Hasund, Røa
2 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
2 - Ina Skaug, Røa
2 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
2 - Frida Maanum, Stabæk
2 - Tina Fremo, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Oda Fugelsnes, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
2 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga
2 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
1 - Ingrid Altermark, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Emma Fletcher, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Helene Gloppen, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Cecilie R. Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Ingrid Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Meryll Abrahamsen, Avaldsnes
1 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
1 - Hanna Dahl, Avaldsnes
1 - Daiane Santos, Avaldsnes
1 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
1 - Synne Vatnem, Avaldsnes
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Linda Ruutu, Grand Bodø
1 - Elisabeth Terland, Klepp
1 - Marit Bratberg Lund, Kolbotn
1 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
1 - Silje Blakstad, LSK Kvinner
1 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
1 - Krystina Iordanou, Medkila
1 - Martine Olsen, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Nora Byom Nilssen, Røa
1 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
1 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
1 - June Hammersland, Sandviken
1 - Stine Hovland, Sandviken
1 - Elida Knudsen, Sandviken
1 - Vilde Øyri, Sandviken
1 - Heidi Ellingsen, Stabæk
1 - Martine Flakk, Stabæk
1 - Siri Nordeide Grønli, Stabæk
1 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
1 - Stine Reinås, Stabæk
1 - Andrea Wilmann, Stabæk
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Jennie Nordin, Vålerenga

ASSISTS
6 - Elise Thorsnes, Avaldsnes
5 - Therese S. Åsland, Røa
4 - Elise Stenevik, Arna Bjørnar
4 - Guro Reiten, LSK Kvinner
4 - Cecilie Liane, Stabæk
4 - Theresa Nielsen, Vålerenga
3 - Francielle Alberto, Avaldsnes
3 - Cecilie Pedersen, Avaldsnes
3 - Line Danielsen, Grand Bodø
3 - Sigrid Helbostad, Grand Bodø
3 - Synne Skinnes Hansen, LSK Kvinner
3 - Ingrid Spord, LSK Kvinner
3 - Sina Tosterud, Sandviken
3 - Johanne Fridlund, Vålerenga
2 - Amalie Eikeland, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Lisa Naalsund, Arna Bjørnar
2 - Andreia Rosa, Avaldsnes
2 - Andrine Tomter, Avaldsnes
2 - Amalie Johnsen, Grand Bodø
2 - Karina Sævik, Kolbotn
2 - Sophie Haug, LSK Kvinner
2 - Anja Sønstevold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ryoko Takara, LSK Kvinner
2 - Ingrid Moe Wold, LSK Kvinner
2 - Marita Iversen, Røa
2 - Marije Brummel, Sandviken
2 - Synne Jensen, Stabæk
2 - Elen Melhus, Trondheims-Ørn
2 - Aivi Luik, Vålerenga

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1 - Maria Brochmann, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Josee Nahi, Arna Bjørnar
1 - Gema Simon, Avaldsnes
1 - Sara Eggesvik, Grand Bodø
1 - Vilde Fjelldal, Grand Bodø
1 - Savannah Francis, Grand Bodø
1 - Trine Skjelstad Jensen, Grand Bodø
1 - Ingeborg Nordheim, Grand Bodø
1 - Marie Andresen, Klepp
1 - Hege Hansen, Klepp
1 - Tuva Hansen, Klepp
1 - Maria Thorisdottir, Klepp
1 - Kirsty Yallop, Klepp
1 - Isabell Bachor, LSK Kvinner
1 - Anna Westerlund, LSK Kvinner
1 - Emilie Woldvik, LSK Kvinner
1 - Ida Fossem, Medkila
1 - Maria Hustad, Medkila
1 - Alex Quincey, Medkila
1 - Gunhild Herregården, Røa
1 - Line Holter, Røa
1 - Ina Skaug, Røa
1 - Lisa Marie Utland, Røa
1 - Camilla Ervik, Sandviken
1 - Marina Jensen, Sandviken
1 - Ingvild Isaksen, Stabæk
1 - Mina Kjørum, Stabæk
1 - Victoria Ludvigsen, Stabæk
1 - Trine Rønning, Stabæk
1 - Rakel Engesvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Kristine Nøstmo, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Maria Olsvik, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Svanhild Sand, Trondheims-Ørn
1 - Synne Christiansen, Vålerenga
1 - Gunnhildur Jonsdottir, Vålerenga
1 - Stephanie Verdoia, Vålerenga

NEXT MATCHDAY
28 Apr: Stabæk vs Grand Bodø 5-1
29 Apr: Vålerenga vs Arna Bjørnar 2-2
17 Jun: Kolbotn vs Røa (3:00pm)
17 Jun: Sandviken vs Klepp (4:00pm)
18 Jun: Trondheims-Ørn vs Medkila (1:00pm)
18 Jun: Avaldsnes vs LSK Kvinner (3:00pm)

Two games were re-scheduled and played earlier this season, so only four games to be played in the first matchday after the international break.

 

That's Josee Nahi, the new forward from the Ivory Coast.

I like your attempt of analyzing the game. Well done.

Regarding Stabæk, I believe they play a system more like 4-2-3-1 with Bjånesøy the sole striker and Victoria Ludvigsen the central attacking midfielder placed between Mina Kjørum and Synne Jensen in your set-up.

 

There is a low-profile 4-team U23-tournament being held in Sweden this week. A last chance for new players to launch their candidacy for the senior squad and the Euros this summer. The players selected are:

Goalkeepers
Oda Bogstad (Klepp)
Aurora Mikalsen (Kolbotn)

Defenders
Ingrid Stenevik (Arna Bjørnar)
Andrine Tomter (Avaldsnes)
Marit Bratberg Lund (Kolbotn)
Katrine W. Jørgensen (Røa)
Cecilie Kvamme (Arna Bjørnar)
Stine Reinås (Stabæk)
Ingrid Elvebakken (Kolbotn)

Midfielders
Hanna Dahl (Avaldsnes)
Frida Maanum (Stabæk)
Nora Eide Lie (Kolbotn)
Lisa Naalsund (Arna Bjørnar)
Camilla Ervik (Sandviken)
Ingrid Syrstad Engen (Trondheims-Ørn)
Maria Hiim (Klepp)

Forwards
Tonje Pedersen (Kolbotn)
Emilie Nautnes (Arna Bjørnar)
Amalie Eikeland (Arna Bjørnar)
Andrea Norheim (Olympique Lyonnais)
Vilde Hasund (Røa)

Matches
Jun 06: USA vs Norway - 6:00pm at Tingvalla IP, Karlstad
Jun 09: Sweden vs Norway - 6:00pm at Tingvalla IP, Karlstad
Jun 12: England vs Norway - 6:00pm at Sportshälla IP, Säffle

In my opinion, the five names closest to a Euro squad here are: Stine Reinås, Andrine Tomter, Nora Eide Lie, Amalie Eikeland and *drumroll* Frida Maanum. Frida in particular is on trial here against senior players. I hope she shines, but central midfield isn't an easy role to fill at 17.

 

Tough start for Norway in the U23 tournament.

Norway vs USA 0-3
0-1 Jaelin Howell 70
0-2 Sophie Smith 72
0-3 Kaleigh Riehl 81

Line-up (4-4-2): Aurora Mikalsen - Cecilie Kvamme, Ingrid Stenevik, Stine Reinås, Marit B. Lund - Amalie Eikeland, Ingrid Syrstad Engen (Katrie W. Jørgensen 78), Tonje Pedersen (Nora Eide Lie 69), Emilie Nautnes (Hanna Dahl 78) - Lisa Naalsund, Synne Jensen.

It was an even match with few chances, but Norway faded towards the end according to reports. All our players had a full round of Toppserien in the weekend. That could be an explanation to the fatigue. I still question some of the selections. Naalsund is better as midfielder and we don't have a single out-and-out centre-forward selected in the squad, only wingers.

Sweden lost 4-0 to England in the other match. Damallsvenskan also had a matchday this weekend.

 

Friendly at Sandefjord
Norway vs USA 0-1
0-1 Christen Press 60

Line-up (4-3-1-2): Ingrid Hjelmseth - Ingrid Moe Wold, Maren Mjelde (c), Nora Holstad Berge, Elise Thorsnes - Ingvild Isaksen, Ingrid Spord, Andrine Hegerberg - Caroline G. Hansen - Emilie Haavi, Ada Hegerberg.

A very attack-minded starting line-up from Sjögren today. Five players from Toppserien and six foreign based. I think our first half was the best possession football we've played for a long time considering the quality of the opposition. It's a big step up from the Switzerland game, and we are moving in the right direction. It was a game of few scoring chances, but we lacked sharpness and precision in the box when balls came in. Elise Thorsnes surprised me in a positive way. The central midfield was better than I feared also.

But it's obvious that Ada isn't at her best these days. Her timing is off and she looks exhausted. It has been a long season and much off the field activities, receiving accolades, prizes to collect etc. She is now the postergirl of women's football in Norway and it drains energy. She needs to recharge her batteries over the next few weeks to wake up in the Euros as the beast we want her to be.

 

"Tired Hegerberg takes a vacation before the Euros"

Confirmed in VG what we all saw yesterday. Ada will have three weeks for herself before the Euros. One week vacation and then two weeks of low intensity individual training working on technical details in her game with off-days in between, before arriving at pre-camp with the rest of the squad on July 5th.

 

Last night was the 50th match between Norway and the US. That's 19 wins for Norway, 29 for USA and 2 draws. Only 6 matches played in Norway, the rest in America or on neutral ground. The horror after 2002.

1987: LW
1988: W
1990: LL
1991: WWL
1992: WW
1993: W
1994: WL
1995: DWL
1996: LWL
1998: LW
1999: L
2000: WWLLDWLW
2001: W
2002: WWL
2003: LLL
2004: L
2006: L
2007: LL
2008: LLW
2009: L
2010: L
2011: L
2012: L
2015: L
2017: L