– It was great to score and win. There was a good environment for the national team and it was extra nice today. It is big for me to get to the World Cup and I'm really looking forward to the championship. I've never been to a World Cup before, so it will be fun, “said Pedersen to fotball.no.
Early scoring
Norway had a flying start in the match. After just six minutes, Runa Vikestad played a long ball up on Solveig Gulbrandsen. Veteran aback on to Pedersen, who sent the ball in the goal.
The scoring ensured Norway to control the game. Lene Mykjåland had several opportunities throughout the match, and should have scored several times, but a little luck, a bit of inefficiency and a good Ukrainian keeper prevented thiese chances.
Four minutes before the end, Solveig Gulbrandsen sent the ball into net making the score 2-0. Cecilie Pedersen came close to score his second goal for the day in injury time with a bright shot that went in the cross-rod, but the match ended with this score.
A great Success
Norway has been one of only four European teams that qualified for the World Cup in Germany by a total of 41 nations. However, Ingvild Stensland does not think people realize how good the Norwegian performance really was.
– It's not like that there are five or six good teams in the world. The competition is getting toughter, however, Norway has qualified for the championships. It is quite an accomplishment. I do not think people are aware that it is not an easy task. I think we should be proud of ourselves today and we'll be happy on behalf of women's football, “she says.
Match Facts
NORWAY – UKRAINE 2-0 (1-0) (total 3-0)
Stadium: Nadderud Stadium.
Attendance: 1104
Referee: Alexandra Ihringova, England.
Goals: 1-0 Pedersen Cecilie (6.min). 2-0 Solveig Gulbrandsen (86.min)
Norway's team (4-4-2): Ingrid Hjelmseth – Hedda Beach Camping Ground (Guro Knutsen Mienna 46.min), Runa Vikestad, Maren Mjelde, Tori Aker Haugen – Solveig Gulbrandsen, Ingvild Stensland, Lisa-Marie Woods, Lise Klaveness (Leni Larsen Kaurin 70.min) – Cecilie Pedersen, Lene Mykjåland (Elise Thorsnes 88.min).
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