Three goals in three minutes secure Norway's victory

Norway's women's national football team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Austria in their final World Cup qualifying group stage match. The win, witnessed by Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, saw a flurry of action in the second half.

The royal attendees, standing in for Crown Prince Haakon, watched as the game, which had a chance-poor first half, exploded into life after the break. The 7,256 spectators at Ullevaal Stadium were treated to three goals in just three minutes.

The scoring opened seconds into the second half when Thea Bjelde headed home Norway's first goal from a Guro Reiten cross. Caroline Graham Hansen quickly doubled the lead two minutes later with a header from a Julie Blakstad assist. Austria pulled one back in the 51st minute through Barbara Dunst, setting up a tense remainder of the match.

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Three goals in three minutes.

Norway had an opportunity to extend their lead further after an hour when a corner kick resulted in a handball by Austrian scorer Dunst in the penalty area. Graham Hansen stepped up to take the penalty, but her shot was saved by goalkeeper El Sharif.

Despite holding on for the victory, Norway's loss to group winners Germany in the previous match meant they would finish second in the group regardless of the result against Austria. This outcome necessitates that the Norwegian team will enter a playoff round in the autumn to secure their spot in the World Cup.

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Norway won 2-1 against Austria.