Caroline Graham Hansen’s Double Puts Norway on Track for Euro 2025 Finals

Caroline Graham Hansen netted two goals, significantly advancing Norway’s qualification for the Euro 2025 finals. It is widely acknowledged that Caroline Graham Hansen ranks among the globe’s premier footballers. As Northern Ireland experienced, containing her when she is performing at her peak proves exceedingly difficult. Essentially, the Barcelona midfielder delivered an impressive performance during a rainy and blustery Euro 2025 play-off match in Larne on Friday. Norway was consistently favored to overcome Northern Ireland, and they largely secured their progression in the initial leg by achieving a dominant 4-0 victory. Graham Hansen dictated the game from the outset, seeing two attempts blocked before she slotted in the opening goal after seven minutes, thereby extinguishing any prospects of an unexpected outcome. The 29-year-old player registered another goal, scoring Norway’s third, after executing a precise one-two pass with Guro Reiten and demonstrating exceptional speed to penetrate the penalty area. She then placed the ball into the near post, contrary to expectations that she would aim across the goal. Following their second-place finish at the Euros in 2013, Norway has been a squad that has not met expectations. In the World Cup last year, they were eliminated in the last 16 by Japan. Four years prior, their aspirations were cut short by England in the quarter-finals. Furthermore, in their two most recent Euros finals appearances, they did not advance beyond the group stages. Currently, under the guidance of new manager Gemma Grainger, Norway aims to rebuild and achieve the success warranted by the talent within their roster. Chelsea’s Retien and Arsenal’s Frida Maanum are recognized as two of the top players in England’s Women’s Super League, and despite recent injury setbacks, former Ballon d’Or recipient Ada Hegerberg continues to display exceptional skill. While numerous talented players are present, Graham Hansen stands out as the most prominent. Grainger, previously the manager for Wales, stated that Graham Hansen, who secured second place behind Aitana Bonmati in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, possesses “so many qualities” that enable her to influence every match she participates in. “People see the attacking side of her game and the individual quality that she has, that goes without saying.” “But if you see her out of possession and some of the defensive runs that she made, she has that all-round game.” According to Grainger, this comprehensive ability distinguishes her from other elite players. “That’s what makes her a special player. Some of the best players maybe only have one side of that game but she has both. “She led us out and her leadership skills, both on and off the pitch, are vital to us.” Graham Hansen secured the second position in the Ballon d’Or, trailing her Barcelona team-mate Aitana Bonmati. It was nearly a foregone conclusion that Graham Hansen would score against Northern Ireland. Approximately a quarter of her 48 international goals have been scored against Northern Ireland, and she recorded her 10th and 11th goals against the underdog team. It would be a bold move to wager against her increasing that total in the return leg scheduled for Oslo on Tuesday. “I didn’t know that,” Graham Hansen remarked with a smile when questioned about her scoring record against Northern Ireland. “I guess it suits me how they play. If I score goals when I play them then it’s good for me.” Graham Hansen assessed the first-half display as “quite good” and recognized the critical role her early goal played in shaping the match. “We know we are the favourites to go through and the longer it was 0-0 the more they would hope to get something out of the game. “To get the early goal was very nice.” Issuing a caution to Northern Ireland, she indicated that the Norwegian team had further potential to demonstrate as they aim to reclaim their position among Europe’s top teams. “We scored four goals, but we maybe should have scored a couple more. The second half was a bit rusty, you could say. “There were a lot of individual mistakes, and we killed our own rhythm. We let them be a part of the game instead of just doing the same as the first half.” Following a robust conclusion to a subdued 2024, during which Norway recorded four draws in their Euro 2025 qualifiers before decisively defeating Albania 14-0 in their initial play-off match, Graham Hansen identifies consistency as the subsequent hurdle for the talented squad, beginning with Tuesday’s second leg in Oslo. “Hopefully we can finish off a good year for us,” she further stated. “There are a lot of new cultures and stuff, so we are looking forward to playing that game. “Football is full of ups and downs. Stability is the most difficult part of playing football. “To have links of good play in games is easy but to be perfect 90 minutes after 90 minutes is almost impossible. “We will just keep working and keep going.” Frida Maanum was among several Norwegian stars who dedicated time to interact with Northern Ireland’s supporters after the match. For Grainger, witnessing the Northern Ireland supporters request numerous selfies with Norway’s prominent players after the final whistle intensified the satisfaction derived from the victory. “It’s so nice to hear those young voices. I’m so passionate about growing the game,” the former Wales manager further commented. “It was a real inspiration for Northern Ireland to qualify for the Euros last time around. “I hope they enjoyed watching the Norway team as much as the Northern Ireland team. “If we can help them fall in love with the game then we’re all doing our job.” Should Graham Hansen and her fellow players maintain their current performance, it will undoubtedly signify a successful endeavor. Sandi Toksvig is accompanied by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Take the microphone for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and others… Ben Fogle and Kate Humble return for the celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. 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