Frida Maanum kicked off her Euro 2022 campaign in style on Thursday night, scoring in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Northern Ireland.
The 22-year-old was handed a start at the base of midfield alongside Ingrid Engen and delivered a mature performance before being substituted in the 65th minute.
With a star-studded line-up, it didn’t take long for Norway to open the scoring as Julie Blakstad fired home at the near post after being played through by Guro Reiten.
Maanum then went on to double Norway’s advantage in the 13th minute, winning the ball back from the Northern Ireland defence before combining with Ada Hegerberg and finishing from close range.
Maanum was looking confident in possession too, as she attempted three shots from outside the area in the opening 20 minutes.
Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen made it three on the half-hour mark, converting from the penalty spot, and also picked up the Player of the Match award for her outstanding display.
Northern Ireland pulled one back following the restart through Julie Nelson, becoming the oldest-ever goalscorer at a European Women’s Championship, but shortly after Guro Reiten restored Norway’s three-goal advantage with a fine free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
That comprehensive victory means Maanum’s Norway are now top of Group A and ahead of England on goal difference.
Next up in the tournament, Simone Boye's Denmark will take on Germany in Group B on Friday night (8pm UK time).
Switzerland’s Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz will then face Portugal on Saturday at 5pm (UK time), before Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius go head-to-head at 8pm with the Netherlands taking on Sweden.
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