Denmark and Norway End in Stalemate: A Glimpse into a Disappointing Match
In a clash that failed to live up to the expectations set by their recent triumphs, Norway and Denmark settled for a goalless draw. Following impressive victories against Japan (2-0) and Brazil (3-1), the Norwegian squad struggled to maintain their momentum, grappling with intensity on the field.
National team manager Gemma Grainger opted for a fresh approach, making six changes to the starting XI that triumphed over Brazil just before the weekend. New faces included Selma Panengstuen, Thea Bjelde, Guro Bergsvand, Marit Bratberg Lund, Vilde Bøe Risa, and Elisabeth Terland.
In goal, the young Brann keeper Panengstuen made a positive impression, particularly in the 70th minute when she saved a penalty kick from Juventus striker Amalie Vangsgaard. The Danes were awarded what some considered a dubious penalty after Olivia Holdt went down in a challenge with Tuva Hansen. Vangsgaard’s shot lacked conviction, and Panengstuen confidently dove to her right to make the stop.
“I felt it was a deserved outcome; I didn’t believe it was a penalty to begin with. It was satisfying to make that save. The entire team deserved it,” Panengstuen shared with TV 2 after the match.
A Lackluster First Half
Norway had its opportunities, with Manchester United striker Terland coming close in injury time of the first half. After a well-placed pass from Bøe Risa, Terland’s shot was thwarted by Denmark goalkeeper Freja Thisgaard, who was quick off her line.
However, Norway’s opening half was marked by a sluggish performance. The Danish side enjoyed a greater share of possession, leaving the Norwegian players scrambling to catch up.
“We’re not satisfied with that first half—neither our intensity nor our duel work was up to par,” remarked assistant coach Ingvild Stensland during the halftime break.
Panengstuen echoed these sentiments. “Things felt slow. We need to inject more pace into our play. I think we can improve in the second half, but we still have work to do,” she noted.
A Second Half with Promise
The Norwegian squad came out with renewed vigor after the break, applying more pressure on the Danish defense, though clear chances were few and far between. Frida Maanum had a double opportunity in the 67th minute, but the Danish backline managed to block both attempts.
“I think we’ll find our rhythm in the second half,” Maanum commented. “The first 30 minutes were tough, but we got into the game afterward.”
While several substitutes entered the fray in the second half, star striker Ada Hegerberg—who had netted a penalty in the previous match against Brazil—did not feature at all.
As the game neared its conclusion, a flurry of substitutions disrupted the flow, and despite a late Danish surge, the match ended in an anticlimactic 0-0 stalemate at the Estádio Ciudad de La Linea.
(© NTB)
