Integrity Score 185
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Graham Hansen, Maanum, and Reiten arrived for this tournament after impressive club performances. The nation yearned for a resurgence led by this trio alongside Hegerberg, under the guidance of Hege Riise. However, the initial excitement hit a wall when they lost to New Zealand in their opening match, & they were served a harsh reality check. The situation worsened when Hegerberg got injured just minutes before the kickoff against Switzerland.
The question loomed large: How does one replace a player of Hegerberg's calibre and ability? The answer came in the form of a last-minute inclusion in Norway's Starting XI - Sophie Roman Haug.
Despite the game against Switzerland ending in a goalless draw, Haug's performance breathed fresh life into the team. Her presence in the penalty box and impressive aerial abilities injected some much needed excitement into Norway’s attack.
Norway's hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the tournament relied heavily on a victory against the Philippines, and it was at this crucial moment that Roman Haug showcased her true potential. As the reigning Serie A champion with Roma, Roman Haug had already proven herself to be a reliable impact player, having scored 7 goals in the previous season.
This match became her defining moment, where she led her nation to a remarkable victory. In the 6th minute, she demonstrated her exceptional finishing, scoring the opening goal. Just ten minutes later, she capitalized on a Bøe Risa long ball with a powerful header goal. She completed her hat-trick, sealing the game with another header in the 90+5th minute. Her performance was truly remarkable and unforgettable in this 6-0 win.
In the game, she attempted 7 shots, with 4 of them being headers. Impressively, 5 of her shots were on target, and 1 shot hit the woodwork. Additionally, she showed her aerial prowess by winning 7 out of 12 aerial duels during the match. Her heatmap from the game vividly illustrates the trouble she caused for ifthe Philippines inside their penalty box.
This was her moment to shine and lead her nation to a triumph worth cherishing, and oh, how brilliantly she responded to the call!