Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen gives Northern Ireland a mountain to climb

11/29/2024 04:03 PM

• Euro 2025 playoff first leg: Northern Ireland 0-4 Norway
• Graham Hansen 7 26, Hansen 14, Bergsvand 67

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.