Early goal secures Norway victory

Norway records a comfortable victory over the United States in their opening game of the women's football tournament.

The Norwegians looked very comfortable in the 2-0 win over the United States.

QINHUANGDAO // Norway began the women's football tournament in style with two goals in the first four minutes to beat the United States 2-0. The Norwegians looked the like the medal contenders they are supposed to be, while the Americans never really threatened. The Norwegian forward Leni Laursen Kaurin outjumped and outmuscled the United States defender Lori Chalupny to head the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper Hope Solo and into the open net in the second minute. Two minutes later, Melissa Wiik latched onto a through ball on the right side, outraced the United States captain Christie Rampone and curled a right-footed shot over Solo and just inside the far post. The two nations, the only to have won gold in women's football, are both considered medal contenders at the summer games. The US won the title in Atlanta and Athens, while Norway beat the Americans to win gold in Sydney.

*AP