Norway's women's national team is gearing up for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, setting their sights on a marked improvement from their recent tournament performances. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team aims to recapture the glory of their past, having won the European Championship in 1987 and 1993. However, recent history has been unkind, with the team struggling to make a significant impact in major international tournaments.

Recent Performances and Qualifying Path

Since Gemma Grainger took over as head coach in January 2024, Norway has shown glimpses of promise, losing only two of their 15 matches. However, they have struggled against higher-ranked opponents, failing to secure a victory in six matches against teams like France and the Netherlands. In their Euro 2025 qualifying group, Norway finished third, behind Italy and the Netherlands, and had to navigate the play-offs, overcoming Albania and Northern Ireland to secure their place in the tournament.

Strengths

Norway's attacking prowess is undeniable. With a wealth of talent including Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten, Frida Maanum, Celin Bizet, and Elisabeth Terland, they possess a formidable front line. Caroline Graham Hansen, runner-up in the most recent Ballon d'Or, is arguably Norway's most decisive player in the final third. Her dribbling, creativity, and ability to destabilize defenses make her a constant threat. Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, brings leadership and goal-scoring ability to the team, now appointed as the new captain. Frida Maanum is another key player, known for her attacking midfield presence and goal-scoring record. The team also boasts a solid mix of experienced players and younger talents.

Weaknesses

Despite their attacking strength, Norway's defense has been a persistent area of concern. They have been prone to conceding soft goals and lacking concentration at crucial moments. The backline can appear vulnerable under pressure, especially against fast, high-pressing teams. Chemistry has been a missing ingredient for so long, and it still feels that this will be the key issue heading into the Euros. Despite a plethora of quality players, Norway still struggle to sew their strengths together, mostly due to the fact Grainger has not been able to field a consistent starting XI for almost the entire time she has been in charge. This can lead to struggles against high pressing teams when they're bypassed.

Tactical Approach

Coach Gemma Grainger typically deploys a back four, with variations of a 4-4-2 diamond and a traditional 4-3-3 formation. She prefers her sides to control possession and build up patiently from the back, but against more dominant opponents, she has shown a willingness to concede possession and focus on sharp transitions. Out of possession, Norway often defends in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 shape, with wide players dropping into the midfield line and the attacking midfielder pushing higher. At times, they shift to a 4-2-4 pressing shape to close down the back line and force long balls.

Key Players to Watch

• Caroline Graham Hansen: The Barcelona winger is one of the best players in the world, known for her goal-scoring ability and creative play.
• Ada Hegerberg: The Lyon striker and former Ballon d'Or winner is a proven goal scorer and leader.
• Frida Maanum: The Arsenal midfielder is a dynamic presence in midfield, contributing goals and assists.
• Celin Bizet Ildhusøy: The Manchester United forward is an underrated player who brings balance with her defensive work rate and attacking threat.

Euro 2025 Group and Expectations

Norway has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Switzerland, Iceland, and Finland. The expectation is that they should top the group comfortably and advance to the knockout stages. However, question marks remain about their ability to perform at full throttle and achieve convincing results against strong opposition. Norway will kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against Switzerland on July 2nd. Other group stage matches include Finland (July 6th) and Iceland (July 10th).

Historical Context

Norway has a rich history in women's football, winning two European Championship titles (1987, 1993), a World Cup (1995), and an Olympic gold medal (2000). However, their performance has declined since the early 2000s. The team is aiming to revive their past glory and establish themselves as a dominant force in European football once again.

Squad

The 23-player squad picked by coach Gemma Grainger includes:

• Goalkeepers: Cecilie Fiskerstrand, Aurora Mikalsen, Selma Panengstuen.
• Defenders: Tuva Hansen, Guro Bergsvand, Maren Mjelde, Thea Bjelde, Marit Bratberg Lund, Emilie Woldvik, Mathilde Harviken.
• Midfielders: Ingrid Engen, Vilde Bøe Risa, Justine Kielland, Lisa Naalsund, Karina Sævik, Frida Maanum, Guro Reiten.
• Forwards: Celin Bizet Ildhusøy, Signe Gaupset, Synne Jensen, Caroline Graham Hansen, Ada Hegerberg, Elisabeth Terland.

With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Norway has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament if they can overcome their defensive vulnerabilities and find the right chemistry on the field.