Norway declared their readiness for the 2019 Women’s World Cup opener against Nigeria with a 7-2 victory over Banyana Banyana in Amiens.
After an eight-match winless run in 2019, Desiree Ellis’s side failed to gain a morale-boosting result in their final tune-up contest against the Europeans on Sunday.
The disappointing day started as the 1995 world champions secured a lead through Vilde Boe Risa seven minutes into the game.
The unrelenting attack of the Norwegians secured the second and third in a rush through Lisa-Marie Karsend Utland’s brace in the 19th and 21st minutes.
A minute later, Isabell Herlovsen compounded the woes of the Africans when she netted the fourth before hitting her second of the game two minutes into the break.
In the second half, Kholosa Biyana gave Banyana a ray of hope as she pulled one back in the 52nd minute but Herlovsen hit her treble a minute later to recover Norway’s four-goal advantage.
Although Amanda Mthandi managed to reduce the deficit in the 66th minute, Emilie Nautnes struck six minutes from time to seal the big win for Martin Sjogren’s side.
The massive victory gave Norway a motivating win ahead of their group stage opener with Thomas Dennerby’s side in Reims on June 8.
On the other hand, the loss shatters South Africa‘s confidence in the buildup to their maiden game against Spain in Le Harve.
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