She Shoots, She Scores

After a two day hiatus, the Women’s Euro’s kicked back off with a bang as Norway and Italy met for the first time at a major tournament for the first quarter final. 

Having won all three of their group stage games, Norway were hoping to bring the same high level performance that we’ve come to expect to this knockout match. However it was clear from early on that Italy, who only walked away with one win from the group, weren’t going home without a fight. With high pressing and multiple close shots, it was a dominant first half from the Italians. Norway’s Signe Gaupset made an impressive shot from just past the halfway line as halftime crept up, but with it going over the net the whistle went leaving the scoreline at 0-0. 

We wouldn’t have to wait long for the deadlock to be broken however as just five minutes into the second half, Italy’s captain Cristiana Girelli scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Sofia Cantore, putting her country ahead despite the odds. It was just minutes later that Italy had another in the back of the net, this time curtesy of Emma Severini, however their luck wasn’t to last as it was quickly ruled offside. 

Norway’s chance at redemption came just before the 60th minute as a penalty was conceded when Elena Linari pulled Ada Hegerberg to the ground inside the box. However, for the second time this tournament, Hegerberg missed the target, leaving the score remaining at 0-1 to her opponents. Much to her relief, she was able to slot the ball into the net just six minutes later to level the playing field once more. 

Norway picked up momentum after their goal, looking hungry for a comeback. However, it was Girielli’s second goal in the dying 90th minute, once again assisted by Severini, that catapulted Italy into their first Euro’s semi final since 1997. They will now face the winner of tomorrow’s quarter final featuring Sweden and England, setting up a potential semi final against the defending champions. 

Photograph: Sebastian Bozon / AFP