Fansided

3 dark horse candidates to make a magical run to Women’s World Cup title

By Caden Charpentier

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 1: Jill Roord of Holland Women (R) celebrates 0-7 with Stefanie van der Gragt of Holland Women during the World Cup Women match between Vietnam Woman v Holland Women at the Dunedin Stadium on August 1, 2023 in Dunedin New Zealand (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 1: Jill Roord of Holland Women (R) celebrates 0-7 with Stefanie van der Gragt of Holland Women during the World Cup Women match between Vietnam Woman v Holland Women at the Dunedin Stadium on August 1, 2023 in Dunedin New Zealand (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 30: Guro Reiten of Norway celebrates with team mate Frida Maanum after scoring their sides fifth goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Norway and Philippines at Eden Park on July 30, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 30: Guro Reiten of Norway celebrates with team mate Frida Maanum after scoring their sides fifth goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Norway and Philippines at Eden Park on July 30, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) /

2023 Women’s World Cup dark horses: Norway

From the get-go, when this tournament kicked off, it looked like Norway was going to fall flat of its face for the second straight summer in a major competition. Nobody in their right mind would have selected the European outfit to even make it out of the group after a defeat to New Zealand. That was then, this is now. The mood surrounding this side has flipped on its head.

Hege Riise’s interesting tactics and personnel choices were brought to the forefront following back-to-back matches in which they failed to score. That all changed against the Philippines. Norway’s most talented came out to shine. For the Grasshoppers, that was the kind of display that can jumpstart a nation seeking confidence heading into the next round. Six goals on 13 shots on target. That is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Scandinavian powerhouse.

Due to the fact that they finished runners-up, the Norwegians will take on one of the most impressive sides so far in the knockouts, Japan in Wellington, New Zealand. The Japanese are without question in the best form of anyone, but it has to be said Norway has the better players. Though that does not mean everything, if Riise can somehow harness the abilities of her roster, the product is undoubtedly going to be something extraordinary.

The Women’s World Cup resumes on FOX Sports, and FS1 on Wednesday, August 2 beginning with Argentina vs. Sweden, and Italy vs. South Africa at 3:00 a.m. EST.