Scotland 0-4 Norway
UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship
Friday, 19 July 2019, 6.15pm kick-off
Firhill Stadium

Norway: Bragstad (21’), Josendal (24’), Olsen (45’), Nygard (45’+3’)

Scotland fell to a defeat at the hands of Norway in matchday two of the WU19 Euros.

An emphatic first half performance by Norway put the game beyond reach for Scotland, but the hosts can be encouraged by a much improved second half performance.

Norway started the stronger of the two sides and could have scored the opener within five minutes. Forward Jenny Olsen glided past Jenna Clark in the box but there was no one to turn in her ball which flashed across the face of goal.

They continued to look dangerous and tested the Scotland rear guard on numerous occasions. A cross from the right was met well by Emilie Bragstad eight yards out but her effort narrowly cleared the bar.

Norway would open the scoring midway through the first half through Bragstad. The impressive Olsen went past two Scotland defenders before her low shot hit the post and rebounded perfectly to the feet of Norway’s number 15 who finished into an empty net.

The second goal was soon to follow. Josendal picked up the ball on Norway’s left before driving forward and hitting a powerful shot over the head of Allison in the Scotland goal. An effort hit into the postage stamp that the Scotland ‘keeper could have done little about.

Pauline Hamill’s side fought back well and had chances of their own. Amy Muir swung a free-kick into a crowded Norwegian six-yard box from the left which fell to the feet of McGovern who was crowded out before she could get a shot away. McGovern had a shot from a corner soon after and was unlucky to see her cushioned volley cleared by the Norwegian defence.

However, it was Norway who got the all important third goal from a corner. The Norwegian team crowded Scotland ‘keeper Allison and the ball fell to Jenny Olsen who bundled the ball into the net. They added a fourth before the half time whistle through Nygard who slotted a low shot into the bottom right from 12 yards after Norway had rattled the crossbar.

Scotland unlucky to concede two late goals after showing promising signs towards the end of the first half.

Scotland started well in the second half as they tried to find a way back into the match. The hosts looked more comfortable on the ball but struggled to break down a strong Norwegian back five. Captain Amy Muir worked tirelessly in centre midfield and Napier began to have more of an influence on proceedings.

Rachel Brown came close to scoring midway through the second period, meeting a free kick at the back post after peeling away from her marker but her header was well held by Norway ‘keeper Sneve. Scotland came close again through Brown through another set-piece soon after but her goal bound header was well cleared.

Norway continued to show their quality and could have added a fifth. Substitute Elin Sorum twice went close with efforts from distance that flashed narrowly over the bar.

Abby Callaghan came close to scoring a consolation goal with a volley from 15 yards, but her shot was deflected wide.

Scotland: Allison, Muir, Newsham, Clark, Brown (Mcgowan, 87’), McIntosh, McAlonie, McGovern (Callaghan, 74’), Napier, Craig (McCartney, 45’), Davidson (Connor, 81’)

Unused substitutes: Mutch, Smith, McCafferty, Morrison, Giarsoli,

Norway: Sneve, Sunde, Baekklund (Haugland, 58’), Josendal (Terland, 82’), Blakstad, Nygard (Sorum, 57’), Tvedten (Svastuen, 74’), Olsen (Lillegard, 58’), Ostenstad, Bragstad, Ildhusoy

Unused substitutes: Larsen, Harviken, Horte, Bjorneboe

Attendance: 925

What’s next?

Scotland face the Netherlands in their final group game of the WU19 Euros. The Netherlands suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of France on Friday. The match will take place at St. Mirren Park on Monday.

Tickets can be purchased for Friday’s match and all remaining WU19 Euro fixtures HERE.

Ticket prices begin at £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.