Womens 2007 World Cup; match 14

Group C, 15/9/07 in Hangzhou.

Australia v. Norway

Australia: M.Barbieri, A.Ferguson, D.Alagich, C.Salisbury, T.Slatyer, H.Garriock, C.McCallum, L.Colthorpe (C.Munoz 76), D.Small (L.De Vanna 45), J.Burgess, K.Gill (S.Walsh 61).

Norway: B.Nordby, T.Ronning, A.Stangeland, C.Huse, G.Folstad, M.Knutsen, I.Stensland, S.Gulbrandsen (L.Storlokken 86), L.Larsen (G.Knutsen 74), M.Wiik (L.Mykjaland 74), R.Gulbrandsen.

Both these sides approached this game with confidence having won their opening fixtures and proceeded to produce one of the best games of the tournament so far.

Both sides wanted to attack and the game was open throughout with plenty of good positive football and regular chances at either end.

The game also benefitted from an early goal. Leni Larsen made a determined run inside from the right wing before slipping a clever ball into the path of Ragnhild Gulbrandsen bursting into the box.

Gulbrandsen's first touch took her away from the last defender and her low finish back across goal was clinical.

This goal boosted Norway who looked capable of taking control in the early stages but the Matildas weathered the early pressure to come back strongly themselves.

Midfielder Collette McCallum was a particular threat before the break with her willingness to get forward from midfield but her finishing did not match her approach play.

Australia brought on Lisa De Vanna at the interval in a bid to sharpen their attack and she would have another big impact from the bench.

Norway came close to increasing their lead before De Vanna had the chance to get involved, however. Lena Mykjaland, another half time replacement, dribbled in from the left before sending a crisp drive against the base of the post.

It was not long before De Vanna was making an impression. Sent through the middle she showed good pace to outstrip the defence but her right footed effort also came back from the post.

The game became increasingly stretched and both goalkeepers were called into consistent action. Norway's Bente Nordby was kept particularly busy as Australia upped the pace looking for the equaliser and was alert to foil both Cheryl Salisbury and Sarah Walsh.

Just as it was beginning to look as though Norway would hold out De Vanna struck in spectacular style. Racing onto a ball down the middle De Vanna turned Ane Stangeland one way and then the other before slamming a magnificent drive into the top corner giving Nordby no chance whatsoever.

It was hard to imagine De Vanna having such an impact on a World Cup finals watching her for Doncaster Belles last season but she has certainly taken to the big stage.

Australia ended the game searching for a winner but they could be well pleased with their point and the draw seemed fair to both sides after an excellent game.

Full Time: Australia 1 Norway 1