In their first game in a major competition, Northern Ireland were always going to face a tough task against a talented Norway side but were left shell-shocked when a trio of first-half goals put the game beyond half-time. After left-back Julie Blakstad beat Jackie Burns at her near post in the 10th minute, Norway struck again three minutes later when Northern Ireland tried to play from the back and Frida Maanum tired for a simple finish. It was three on the half-hour when Caroline Graham Hansen fired over from the penalty spot after a VAR review spotted a Nadene Caldwell handball from a corner and Northern Ireland went into the break grateful not to be further behind. They again emerged a more confident and organized team and gave themselves hope with another moment of history as Rachel Furness kept a corner alive for Julie Nelson to head home from close range. Image: Julie Nelson nods to Northern Ireland’s first goal in the finals The two sides briefly swapped roles with Northern Ireland pushing for more, but their tentative hopes of a comeback were dashed when Chelsea’s Guro Reiten kicked a 20-yard free-kick to secure an emphatic victory in Norway.

“Jerky” Northern Ireland are finding life tough against quality opposition

Northern Ireland and Norway were familiar with each other after being drawn in the same qualifying group for the final tournaments, with the Green and White Army on the wrong end of two 6-0 defeats when they met in Belfast and Stavanger. This, combined with the new experience of reaching major finals, was enough to leave Northern Ireland nervous against such quality opposition in the first half, and despite plenty of possession, the home side looked fragile whenever they lost the ball. It was all too easy to create the game changer that led to Norway’s opener and chaotic as Ada Hagerberg stole the Northern Ireland defense to set up the second. It wasn’t until then that Sills’ side began to take hold and would not concede a goal in open play for the rest of the game. Image: Norway beat a brave Northern Ireland side 4-1 in the Green and White Army’s first game at a major competition His half-time message at 3-0 would probably have focused on the second-half scoreline rather than saving the match, but after Nelson’s header shortly after the break, there was a brief moment where a comeback looked unlikely. . It didn’t materialize, with Ryten’s free-kick bursting Northern Ireland’s bubble again, but there are signs of optimism for Monday’s second leg against Austria, which Sills and his team will see as a beatable opponent – if they can continue their second match – half performance in 90 minutes.

What’s next?

Norway and Northern Ireland return to action on Monday. Norway take on England at the Amex Stadium (kick-off 8pm) while Northern Ireland take on Austria at St Mary’s (kick-off 5pm). Group A will conclude on Friday, July 15. Northern Ireland face hosts England in Southampton with Norway playing Austria at the Amex Stadium. Both games will start at 20:00.

Follow Euro 2022 on Sky Sports

Stay up to date with all the latest from Euro 2022 across Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer. Coverage will be provided by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will provide analysis throughout the tournament. They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan. Pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women’s Euro 2022 mobile presentation bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where matches are being played. In addition, Sky Sports’ Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the tournament as the Sky Sports Women’s Euros Podcast from 21 June. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a strong line-up of programs around the tournament.

Euro 2022: The groups…

Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland

Euro 2022: The program…

Group stage Wednesday, July 6 Group A: England 1-0 Austria Thursday July 7th Group A: Norway 4-1 Northern Ireland Friday July 8th Group B: Spain v Finland – kick-off 17:00, Stadium MK Group B: Germany v Denmark – kick-off 20:00, London Community Stadium Saturday, July 9 Group C: Portugal v Switzerland – kick-off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village Group C: Netherlands v Sweden – kick-off 20:00, Bramall Lane Sunday, July 10 Group D: Belgium v ​​Iceland – kick-off 17:00, Manchester City Academy Stadium Group D: France v Italy – kick-off 20:00, New York Stadium Monday, July 11 Group A: Austria v Northern Ireland – kick-off 5pm, St Mary’s Group A: England v Norway – 8pm kick-off, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium Tuesday, July 12 Group B: Denmark v Finland – kick-off 17:00, Stadium MK Group B: Germany v Spain – kick-off 20:00, London Community Stadium Wednesday, July 13 Group C: Sweden v Switzerland – kick-off 17:00, Bramall Lane Group C: Netherlands v Portugal – kick-off 20:00, Leigh Sports Village Thursday, July 14 Group D: Italy v Iceland – kick-off 5pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium Group D: France v Belgium – kick-off 20:00, New York Stadium Friday July 15th Group A: Northern Ireland v England – kick-off 8pm, St Mary’s Group A: Austria v Norway – 8pm kick-off, Brighton & Hove Community Stadium Saturday, July 16 Group B: Finland v Germany – kick-off 20:00, Stadium MK Group B: Denmark v Spain – kick-off 20:00, London Community Stadium Sunday, July 17 Group C: Switzerland v Netherlands – kick-off 17:00, Bramall Lane Group C: Sweden v Portugal – kick-off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village Monday, July 18 Group D: Iceland v France – kick-off 20:00, New York Stadium Group D: Italy v Belgium – kick-off 20:00, Manchester City Academy Stadium Knockout phase Quarterfinals Wednesday, July 20 Quarter-final 1: Winners Group A v Runners-up Group B – 8pm kick-off, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium Thursday, July 21 Quarter-final 2nd: Winners Group B – Runners-up Group A – kick-off 20:00, London Community Stadium Friday, July 22 Quarter-final 3: Winners Group C v Runners-up Group D – 8pm kick-off, Leigh Sports Village Quarter-final 4: Winners Group D – Runners-up Group C – kick-off 20:00, New York Stadium Semifinals Tuesday, July 26 Semi Final 1: Winners Quarter Final 1 v Winners Quarter Final 3 – 8pm kick-off, Bramall Lane Wednesday July 27th Semi-final 2: Winners of quarter-finals 2 v Winners of quarter-finals 4 – kick-off 20:00, Stadium MK Final Sunday, July 31 Winners semi-final 1 v Winners semi-final 2 – kick-off 5pm, Wembley