Maren Mjelde celebrates one of her goals with Isabell Herlovsen (sportsfile)

Clinical Norway leave Iceland cold

by John Atkinfrom Laugardalsvöllur Stadium

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Two quickfire goals from Maren Mjelde just before half-time set up a comfortable 5-0 victory for Norway against Iceland as they returned to the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals in style after a two-year absence.

Double burst
In an even first half Mjelde broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time, firing a fizzing effort from 25 metres that Petra Lind Sigurdardóttir could not hold on to. The goalkeeper had no chance six minutes later when the Norway captain confidently slotted in from the spot after Gudrún Erla Hilmarsdóttir had brought down Ida Elise Enget - and it was to get worse for Iceland. Midway through the second period Enget made it 3-0 from close range and within 60 seconds substitute Ingvild Isaksen added another after rounding the keeper. Elise Thorsnes completed the rout seven minutes from time with a powerful header.

Early endeavour
That result looked improbable early on as Norway endured a nervous start. Led by Guðný Björk Ódinsdóttir and Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland seemed determined to get the result the majority of a partisan crowd desired as the blue shirts piled forward. This brought Norway coach Jarl Torske off his bench to issue orders and his charges appeared to heed his advice, slowly gaining a foothold. Thorsnes almost made the breakthrough on eleven minutes when she was sent clear, holding off the covering Agnes Árnadóttir to let fly a shot that Sigurdardóttir did brilliantly to tip around the upright.

Acrobatic effort
The keeper was less assured five minutes later when she misjudged a run to the edge of her box and was grateful for Gudrún Erla Hilmarsdóttir's clearance with Thorsnes lurking with intent. The striker was proving a menace. She directed an overhead kick just wide soon after as Norway upped the tempo; Ingrid Ryland and Enget also tested the keeper, before the pressure finally told with half-time approaching as Mjelde struck twice.

Iceland respond
It could have killed the game off but Iceland began the second period with renewed vigour and should have reduced the deficit within three minutes of the restart, the otherwise excellent Ódinsdóttir slotting wide with only the keeper to beat. Hlín Gunnlaugsdóttir also went close, though as the hosts pushed further and further forward Norway sought to pounce on the counterattack. A combination of last-ditch defending and profligate shooting initially kept them at bay before two goals in a minute sealed an impressive win.

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