Women’s Euro news: Signe Gaupset nets historic brace for Norway

By Geoffrey H. Latayan

Norwegian footballer Signe Gaupset made UEFA Women’s Euro history on Thursday after scoring a brace in Norway’s 4-3 win over Iceland.

At 20 years and 22 days, Gaupset becomes the youngest player to bag a brace, eclipsing the previous mark set by Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema, who was 21 years and 22 days, in the 2017 Women’s Euro final.

Gaupset’s goal-blitz instrumental for Norway’s Group G sweep

Already qualified in the next round, Norway unleashed their vaunted offensive attack against already-eliminated Iceland.

But the Icelanders challenged the Norwegians and took the lead after Sveindís Jonsdottir tapped in a rebound in the sixth minute.

The team then slashed the deficit with two late goals.

Hlín Eiríksdottir scored Iceland’s second in the 84th minute and Glodís Viggpsdottir added a penalty in stoppage time after Eiríksdottir was fouled by Marit Bratberg Lund, who was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

Gaupset’s two goals were scored inside 26 minutes and she also assisted in Norway’s other two goals scored by Frida Maanum in the second half.

Norway finished with a maximum of nine points in Group G, five points above host nation Switzerland and Finland after they drew 1-1.

Switzerland advanced because of a superior goal difference to Finland. Iceland finished bottom of the group with zero points.

Norway will play the runner-up of Group B in the quarterfinals on July 16 in Geneva. That will be Spain, Italy or Portugal – who play their matches on Friday.

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Gaupset – Norway’s best-kept footballing secret

Experts call Gaupset Norway’s best-kept footballing secret and the Brann attacker didn’t disappoint by dominating the possession and scored the first-half goals 11 minutes apart.

Gaupset, who is known locally for her physical, bustling style and excellent ball awareness, said she was excited upon learning she’ll be playing against Iceland and slept well the night before kickoff.

“I was looking forward to it, having fun and playing my game, and that worked today. I just did what I normally do when I’m at my club, and it worked really well,” Gaupset said.

Her two goals in the FIFA Women’s Euro added up to the 10 goals she scored for SK Brann in the Norwegian league. 

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