One way of making sure the best teams compete at major tournaments, regardless of qualification hiccups, is to seed a playoff draw. Northern Ireland are the latest victims of that very scenario, after Norway cantered to a first leg win in Larne. There was at least proof, if necessary, that the European Championship will be a better place for the involvement of Caroline Graham Hansen. A major tournament without her would feel preposterous.
There were questions over how on earth Norway ended up in a playoff in the first place; Gemma Grainger’s team had shown their contempt for their necessary environment within 26 minutes, by which stage they were 3-0 ahead. It got no better for Northern Ireland thereafter. A deficit of four goals will prove insurmountable, barring a form of sporting miracle.
During that turbulent early spell for Northern Ireland, Graham Hansen had effectively settled the tie. The Barcelona player was in that rare, anointed position in modern day football of being afforded a free role. The hosts had no answer. In their defence, far superior teams would have found themselves in precisely the same pickle. Graham Hansen dictated everything that was good about Norway’s forward-thinking momentum.
Graham Hansen’s 48th international goal opened the floodgates. Emilie Woldvik bobbed and weaved down the right. Her cross was flicked on by Frida Maanum. With Northern Ireland’s defenders dragged towards the ball, Graham Hansen was left with little more than a tap-in. Norway were to use their right flank to torture Northern Ireland throughout the opening half.
Vilde Bøe Risa’s corner triggered goal number two. Two Northern Ireland headers may have been sufficient to clear lines against less stellar opposition. Instead, Tuva Hansen strode forward to drill a low shot into the net from 22 yards. Jacqueline Burns was a combination of helpless and unsighted.
Enter Graham Hansen in blue-chip style for Norway’s third. The 29-year-old collected the ball on the halfway line and completed a blissfully easy one-two before beating Burns at her near post. The only surprise was that three remained the margin of Norway’s superiority until half-time.
To Northern Ireland’s credit, the second period had been a non-event until the scrappy affair that allowed Norway to claim a fourth. Burns let a corner slip through her hands, with Guro Bergsvand the gleeful beneficiary. Northern Ireland rallied thereafter but lacked attacking punch.
The visitors introduced Ada Hegerberg as the Lyon player chased her 50th goal at international level. She will have to wait, as will Graham Hansen. Perhaps those milestone pursuits will be the most meaningful element of Tuesday evening in Oslo. Norway, who had been based in Leeds in the buildup to this match, took the boat to Northern Ireland after fog threw flight plans into chaos. There will be a far smoother path into the finals. Northern Ireland have been dealt a harsh reminder of the level they have to aspire to. But aspire they will; which serves a purpose in itself.
