Norway needs late goal to beat Equatorial Guinea in World Cup: A fan’s reaction

Posted Thursday, June 30, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

It was not the easy outing Norway expected on June 29 when it played World Cup first-timers Equatorial Guinea in the first match of Group D play. Norway had to play really hard just to scratch out a 1-0 win over the African nation.

In all actuality, Norway is lucky to have come away with a win in the match after hitting the post three times and being out-shot by the African side. Equatorial Guinea's captain and best scoring threat Genoveva Anonman had a great chance to score the first goal of the match in the 53rd minute. Anonman's shot ended up wide of the goal-frame. Norway struck the post twice after Anonman's chance within in a couple of minutes. Anonman got one more chance in the 75th minute but sent that shot wide as well.

Norway would make a substitution in the 70th minute that would end up making the difference in the match. Leni Larsen Kaurin replaced Lene Mykjaland, who hit the post in the 55th minute. Kaurin found some space on the wing in the 84th minute and sent the ball toward the middle of the box; goalie Miriam Silva de Paxaio barely got a hand to the ball and couldn't punch it out. Emilie Haavi pounced on the rebound and scored the eventual game-winner for Norway.

Just like Colombia's first ever World Cup match against Sweden on June 28, Equatorial Guinea proved to be a stronger team than its European opponent realized. In both matches, the result was 1-0. Equatorial Guinea could have been even stronger but lost striker Jade Boho was ruled out on June 28 over an eligibility issue. She reportedly suited up for Spain within the last five years. The African Confederation has suspended Boho on a provisional basis for two months. Boho had scored three goals in five qualifying tournament games.

Norway's next Group D match will be on June 3 against Brazil. Equatorial Guinea will take on Australia on June 3. Brazil defeated Australia 1-0 in the other Group D match on June 29