Norway’s goalkeeper sends Australia down under at Women’s World Cup

Norway’s win against Australia in the Round of 16 proved to be the most insane match at this Women’s World Cup. Here’s why this game was so haywire.

Norway are off to the quarterfinals, prevailing over Australia after a penalty-kick shootout thanks to the great goalkeeping of Ingrid Hjelmseth.

In what can only be described as the craziest match to date at the Women’s World Cup in France, the sparsely-attended game in Nice proved to be one of the best following 120 minutes of craziness, two wonderful goals, a red card and two shots that hit the woodwork.

The game had ended 1-1 after regulation and 30 minutes of extra time failed to yield a goal.

Making matters worse for Australia was that they were forced to play half of extra time down a player after Alanna Kennedy became the third player to be sent off at the Women’s World Cup, following Sonia Gegenhuber in 1995 and Alicia Ferguson in 1999.

As a result, the Aussies are tied for the most red cards at Women’s World Cup with the USWNT and Nigeria.

But Norway, despite the player advantage, could not capitalize. They hit the woodwork twice during this tense affair.

Norway had taken the lead after 31 minutes with Isabel Herlovsen. The goal looked like it would be enough to put Norway through, but a strike by Elise Kellond-Knight with seven minutes left pushed the match to overtime, the first at this tournament.

Norway could have scored the winner in stoppage time, but there was more drama to be had.

In the end, it was Hjelmseth who came up huge in the shootout, making one save. The first Aussie attempt by star Sam Kerr sailed high over the crossbar.

Norway will need plenty of rest in time for Thursday, where they play against the winner of England-Cameroon.