AUGSBURG (Germany), June 29: The 1995 champions Norway survived a battle with debutantes Equatorial Guinea in Group D action at the Women's World Cup here on Wednesday, winning 1-0 thanks to Emelie Haavi's late goal.

The back-and-forth encounter saw Norway hit the woodwork on three occasions before Haavi's match winner in the 84th minute.

Equatorial Guinea needed some time to get into the match and relied on long-range efforts, like Anonman's 40 yard blast and Jurama's attempt from just a bit closer after 17 minutes.

The Africans began to dominate and Dulcia was through for a run at keeper and woman of the match Ingrid Hjelmseth but Haavi got in the way in the last second at the 20-minute mark. Hjelmseth faced a barrage of shots — most of them of the longer distance variety — and successfully cleared them all away, though just barely on Anonman's attempt in the 22nd minute.

Norway finally made a push forward after 35 minutes with Isabell Herlovsen and Madeleine Giske passing to one another before Herlovsen shot over the bar.

Equatorial Guinea had one final superb chance before the break as Anonman got past Nora Holstad Berge for a dash at Hjelmseth, but the keeper won the encounter in stoppage time.

Norway had the better run of play early in the second half and Herlovsen shot wide after a pass from Elise Thorsnes in the 52nd minute. A minute later, Equatorial Guinea made another substitution with Chinasa entering for Jumaria.

Anonman continued her excellent match, getting past one defender and racing past three more before chipping a shot that went just wide of the far right post after 53 minutes.

The back-and-forth went on as Norway hit the outside of the right post on Mykjaland's shot in the 55th minute.

The Norwegians could only find the framework again two minutes later with Herlovsen hitting the left post and the ball was pushed out in a scramble at the same post.

Norway finally broke through — and Haavi finally got her goal — in the 84th minute. Leni Larsen Kaurin crossed from the right side to Haavi, who struck into the upper netting from left of goal for the Norwegians.—AFP