Classy Norwegians have too much for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland were committed but outclassed on their major tournament debut as Norway romped to a comprehensive 4-1 Euro 2022 victory in Southampton.

First-half finishes from Julie Blakstad and Frida Maanum, plus a Caroline Graham Hansen penalty, put the two-time European champions on course for a routine success to dampen an historic occasion for their opponents.

Defender Julie Nelson - Northern Ireland's most-capped female player - gave the competition's lowest-ranked nation brief hope of an unlikely comeback by heading in a landmark goal just after the interval.

But Guro Reiten's free-kick sealed a routine success for Martin Sjogren's side to move them level on three points with hosts England at the top of Group A.

A difficult evening for Kenny Shiels' underdogs was compounded by forward Simone Magill - who has just moved from Everton to Aston Villa - leaving the field in tears late on due to injury.

Norway have the early lead in Southampton against Northern Ireland - Julie Blakstad scored their opener, before Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum doubled the advantage