Matildas edge Norway in seven-goal thriller

Larissa Crummer nabbed a 95th-minute winner as the Westfield Matildas opened their Algarve Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Norway.

With time almost up, the striker nodded the ball home from a corner in the final act of a pulsating encounter.

Sam Kerr also set a new goal-scoring record for Australia by scoring in a seventh consecutive international.

Kerr’s strike gave Australia a 3-1 lead after barely half an hour, but with a swirling breeze at their backs in the second half, Norway fought back to all but earn a share of the points before Australia’s late winner.

Earlier the Norwegians had opened the scoring before goals from Polkinghorne and Chloe Logarzo gave the Westfield Matildas the advantage.   

Australia next plays hosts Portugal on Saturday morning at 2am (AEST).

GOALS

Elise Thorsnes Norway 0-1, 11’

A strong run down the left-wing saw the ball played across the six yard box and poked home from close range by Thorsnes for the game’s opening goal.

Clare Polkinghorne Australia 1-1, 13’

Elise Kellond-Knight’s right-wing corner was met at the near post by the towering defender who powered her header into the back of the net.

Chloe Logarzo Australia 2-1, 24’

A right-wing cross from Katrina Gorry was sliced into the air by a Norwegian defender and then inexplicably spilled by the ‘keeper into the path of Logarzo who made no mistake from six yards.

Sam Kerr Australia 3-1, 31’

Australian’s golden girl seized onto a delightful slide-rule pass from Lisa De Vanna and finished with aplomb to claim yet another record.

Lisa Marie-Utland Norway 3-2, 52’

In wind-swept conditions, Australian ‘keeper Mackenzie Arnold was unable to deal with a corner which was turned in from close range.

Elise Thorsnes Norway 3-3, 61’

Youngster Ellie Carpenter was adjudged to have committed a foul in the penalty area and Thorsnes made no mistake from the spot.

Larissa Crummer Australia 4-3 90+5'

Crummer was strongest from the corner and headed the ball home with virtually the last play of the game.