Australia substitute Lisa De Vanna struck in the 83rd minute to secure a 1-1 draw with Norway on Saturday in Group C, boosting Australia's chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the women's World Cup.
De Vanna's effort canceled out the 5th minute goal by Ragnhild Gulbrandsen.
Australia, with four points, now need only a draw against Canada in the last round of Group C games to reach the quarter-finals. Canada have three points following a 4-0 victory over Ghana.
PHOTO: AFP
Norway, with four points in the bag, need only a draw against already-eliminated Ghana to advance to the last eight.
"The second half was much more difficult for us because, as usual, Australia put on De Vanna in the second half," Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen said. "She proved again that she is one of the best forwards in the world at the moment. We are in a very, very good situation before the last group game."
De Vanna has played only two halves in this tournament, but her lightning pace has made her the talk of Group C.
Blessed with five quality forwards in his squad, Australian coach Tom Sermanni has the luxury of bringing on De Vanna against tiring defenses.
"Lisa has been an impact player and she prefers to be that herself. She always felt she could not play for 90 minutes," Sermanni said. "She is probably in a situation now where she could play for 90 minutes, but with the team we have got, it's beneficial to use her like that."
Norway's early lead came when winger Leni Laursen Kaurin ran at the Australian defense and slipped a pass through to Gulbrandsen, who put an angled shot into the net.
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