Reims: Norway went through to the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup alongside China and Spain on Tuesday after beating South Korea 2-1, while France and Germany topped their groups with wins over Nigeria and South Africa.
Caroline Graham Hansen gave Norway an early lead from the spot after Cho So-hyun was judged to have grabbed Maria Thorisdottir in the third minute, before winning the decisive second penalty shortly after the break when she was chopped down by Kang Chae-rim.
The Barcelona attacker had to watch while she received treatment on the sidelines as Isabell Herlovsen just squeezed home Norway’s second to secure the points from a nervy encounter and seal second place in Group A, despite Yeo Min-ji’s poked finish 12 minutes from time. They also survived a late scare from the Koreans, who are nonetheless out after finishing bottom with no points, when Min-ji headed a fraction wide in stoppage time.
Outsiders Italy need just a point against Brazil to top the group while the Australians can snatch second place if they beat point-less bottom side Jamaica and the Brazilians — in second level on three points with the Aussies — fail to win.
