Hegerberg central to Norway's Euro bid ahead of Italy clash
Hegerberg got Norway up and running in the opening 2-1 win over hosts Switzerland, netting the equalizer before winning and missing a penalty and then provoking the decisive Julia Stierli own goal. She was made captain in February and is flanked by vice-skipper and Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen. An honor which came after a turbulent time with the national team, which included a five-year hiatus from international football between 2017 and 2022 provoked by tensions with the Norwegian FA over unequal treatment of women's footballers.
'It's a role that requires experience and the attitude that says we need a good balance between the youngsters and those of us who have been here for a while,' said Hegerberg after the Switzerland win. 'We know we have a big role to play on and off the pitch.' The Norwegians were pioneers of modern women's football and the first country to win the World Cup, European Championship and Olympics but have fallen behind since triumphing at the Sydney Games.
Now managed by Gemma Grainger, Norway failed to get out of the group stage at the last two Euros and they haven't reached the semi-finals of a summer tournament since reaching the final of Euro 2013. And they were humiliated 8-0 by England at the last Euros, a tournament that Hegerberg played in after her exile from the international game. Now Hegerberg has the chance to lead Norway back into the latter stages of a European Championship, with holders England or Scandinavian rivals Sweden potential opponents in the last four.
'Relish the moment'
'We took nine points in the group stage and are playing in the quarter-finals, it's a big moment for us. Everyone has contributed, and we want to ride the crest of that wave,' Hegerberg told reporters on Tuesday. 'To get a top four position at the Euros would be unique. It's a very important game, with a lot at stake and we want to relish the moment. The way we have acquitted ourselves as a team has been exceptional.'
Standing in Norway's way are Italy who came through a tough Group B which was won by world champions Spain. Italy, a traditional powerhouse of the men's game, have impressed in Switzerland under coach Andrea Soncin although they have struggled for goals. 'They're a good team and they've developed their women's game there a lot in the last few years,' added Hegerberg. 'It'll be very cool to play such an important football nation.'
Hegerberg went as far as to say it was important for women's football as a whole that Italy become a top team — something Soncin believes is happening. Italy are in the quarter-finals of the Euros for the first time since 2013. 'Recently there have been plenty of signs of growth in our game, like players being signed by clubs abroad,' said Soncin. 'That highlights the work that the clubs (in Italy) have done but beyond that there is attention on our league, and that means that the league has moved to a higher level. 'Obviously to hear that from a great like her (Hegerberg) is more recognition for the work that the girls are doing.' — AFP
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