Isabell Herlovsen puts Norway ahead with clinical breakaway goal (Video)

Australia created dangerous chances with some individual brilliance from Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso, but it was veteran striker Isabell Herlovsen who scored the game’s first goal to put Norway ahead in the 31st minute.

It took less than 30 seconds for the first dangerous chance to be created in the Round of 16 matchup between Australia and Norway on Saturday, and Norway breathed a sigh of relief when superstar striker Sam Kerr’s shot skimmed the near post. That set the tone for the rest of the evening, as excellent chances were crafted by both sides.

Norway, however, struck first, scoring on a brilliantly-worked counter-attack. Forward Isabell Herlovsen was sprung through on goal, and she made no mistake.

Herlovsen smashed the ball past Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams with aplomb to give Norway the game’s crucial first goal. Credit goes to Karina Sævik for a fantastic assist from the right side, as she created this chance from seemingly nothing with that pass.

The goal is Herlovsen’s 61st in 129 appearances for Norway, as the 30-year-old is one of the most effective strikers in the world. She debuted in 2005 at the Euros as a 16-year-old, and Herlovsen became the youngest goal-scorer in that tournament’s history. With appearances at Lyon and a legendary career in the Norwegian league, Herlovsen has become an icon in her home country and showed her quality with this finish.

Norway needed the first goal as the underdogs against Australia, but even with star player Caroline Graham Hansen nursing an ankle injury, Norway created the most appetizing chances throughout the first half against one of the tournament favorites. And Herlovsen converted the best of them, giving Norway even more confidence against the Matildas, who are always a Sam Kerr strike away from taking over a game.