England take on Norway in the first quarterfinal of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, on Thursday. Here are five things to know about the match and a prediction of how it will finish.
England must stop Caroline Graham Hansen
Norway’s number 10 was superb in the Round of 16 prevail upon Australia. The Australians couldn’t adapt to Hansen, who had 11 shots for her side. She likewise demonstrated her composure by scoring the opening penalty in the shootout. Its performances like this that persuaded Barcelona to sign the 24-year-old from Wolfsburg.
All the discussion around the Norway team before the competition was the nonappearance of ostensibly the world’s best player, Ada Hegerberg. Be that as it may, if Hansen continues playing as she did against Australia, the nation can celebrate a new star. Be that as it may, Hansen will confront one of the competition’s stingiest defences. England have yielded only once, in their opening match against Scotland.
Weariness could be a factor
Norway in the end beat Australia on penalties however it was a long, end-to-end match with a lot of drama. How the Scandinavians recuperate from a physically and emotionally draining experience will be key. A factor to support them is the additional day of recuperation, having played on Saturday, while England played Sunday.
England’s match was similarly as dramatic, however for various reasons. The VAR was again the source of discussion, with the Cameroon players responding angrily and obviously thinking about walking off the pitch. On it, England disregarded the disarray and had couple of issues progressing to the quarterfinals however will be nursing a few knocks after a bruising match.
It’s Phil Neville’s greatest test
The previous Manchester United player was a controversial pick as England mentor however has inspired since taking responsibility for the Lionesses. He said before the competition England could win the Women’s World Cup and has had the ideal begin, winning every one of the four matches up until now and topping Group D.
Be that as it may, regardless of the agreeable qualification from the group stage, and a persuading result against Cameroon in the Round of 16, England have not yet achieved the heights they are able to do. There is additionally an inclination from some that Neville has still not settled on his best 11. Neville has made it clear his models are high – getting his side to meet them for the rest of this competition is his greatest challenge as mentor up until now.
Norway are out for revenge
These two sides met four years back, in the Round of 16 at the 2015 Women’s World Cup. England came from behind to win 2-1 that day, proceeding to lose to Japan in the semifinal. From that point forward, England have advanced and are currently ranked the third best team in the world, nine places above Norway.
England will be the top picks, however historically Norway have the better World Cup track record. The Norwegians have won the trophy, in 1995, and were losing finalists in 1991. Third place in 2015 is the furthest England have gone.
Ellen White is in red hot form
England striker White has begun the competition with a bang. The 30-year-old has scored four times in three games, including the critical second goal in the success over Cameroon. Her overall count of World Cup goals is currently five, equaling Fara Williams’ record forever World Cup goals from an England player.
After a prolific spell with Birmingham City, White recently signed for Manchester City and will lead their title challenge next season. She could arrive with the World Cup golden boot yet first should attempt to breach the Norwegian defence that has substantiated itself against some intense attackers. Norway were unfortunate to lose to has France in the group stage and, in the Round of 16, effectively shackled Australia’s Sam Kerr.
