• Norway – Northern Ireland, at 21.00

SOUTH (Dagbladet): Maria Thorisdottir and Norway are preparing for their opener against Northern Ireland in the football European Cup this evening. At 21.00 it broke at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.

TV 2 expert Solveig Gulbrandsen told Dagbladet that Norway was not one of the EC’s favorites in his eyes.

– The team is OK offensively. But defensively, I’m not safe at all, he points out.

Maria Thorisdottir plays as a central defender. Faced with Gulbrandsen’s statement, he replied:

– That’s something he always says. And it’s not something we spend energy on. Those are his thoughts. Internally in the team, we believe in what we have.

– But do you agree or disagree?

– Solveig has to stand up for what he says. I think we have a very good team in all positions.

Norway have played seven games in 2022 and conceded seven goals. This results in an average of one back-to-back goal. But Gulbrandsen is ready:

– Sweden and England are my favorites in the championship.

– Not real

Norway meets Northern Ireland, who are making their debut in the women’s soccer championship.

On paper, they are the weakest team in the group, which also includes England and Austria. But all indications are that tonight’s opponents will be out at St. Mary’s with enormous energy.

– We treat all teams equally. It will be difficult. It’s about being on top and beating Northern Ireland too. We don’t take it lightly, Thorisdottir insists.

Southampton had the impression it was an EC game today. Midfielder Ingrid Syrstad Engen is one of those players who can be seen on posters in the cityscape. And scarf sellers have taken up positions on the streets.

England opened the group by beating Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford yesterday.

Kick-off tonight: 9pm.