OTTAWA, CANADA----The opening game in Group B of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup might not have been as entertaining as it could have been.
Unless, of course, you're from Norway.
The Norwegian women, who have participated in every Women's World Cup, took it to Thailand from the beginning. Thailand is making their first ever World Cup appearance, and their lack of experience seemed to have played a role all game.
Jittery, the War Elephants allowed Norway to score three goals in the first half, coming on Norway's first three shots of the match. The first goal came on a bending free kick from captain Trine Ronning, who curled the ball around Thailand's wall to open the scoring. Before the end of the half, Isabell Herlovsen would tack on two more goals in a span of five minutes, taking advantage of Thailand's relaxed defense to put Norway up 3-0 at halftime.
The Grasshoppers dominated all match long, with 67% possession, 25 shots, and eight shots on goal, compared to Thailand's 33% possession, six shots, and two shots on goal.
Norway added one last goal in the second half, with a goal by 19 year old Ada Hegerberg. The Grasshoppers had a chance to add a fifth goal, after Thailand captain Duangnapa Sritala was called for a handball inside the box in the 75th minute. But, Maren Mjelde would see her penalty saved in the bottom left corner with a fantastic effort by Thailand keeper Waraporn Boonsing.
Norway clearly had a size advantage, as Thailand was just too small to stay on the ball and create chances for themselves. The first match nerves could certainly have played a role, but Norway appeared to have the War Elephants' number from the very beginning.
However, all is not lost for Thailand. If they can manage to finish in the top four of the third place teams, the War Elephants could find their way into the Knockout Stage, though they certainly have a steep hill to climb.
In their next matches, both on June 11th, Norway will battle Germany, the top ranked team in the world, while Thailand will take on the Ivory Coast.