Caroline Graham Hansen to the rescue! Barcelona star's brilliant late chip gives Norway narrow win over plucky Finland to all-but-confirm qualification to European Championship knockout stages

Following a disjointed 2-1 win in the opening game against Switzerland, Gemma Grainger would have been hoping her Norway side would demonstrate slightly more cohesion against a strong Finland.

Two minutes into the game, it appeared as if her wish had come true with a floated Frida Maanum switch finding Caroline Graham Hansen in acres of space. The winger skipped to the byline and her cut-back was scuffed into the net by Finland’s Eva Nystrom, who made a complete mess of an attempted clearance, to put Norway ahead.

The Gresshoppene dominance continued and, if not for heroics by Anna Koivunen in the Finland goal, should have been out of sight within 30 minutes. Yet, Finland survived the onslaught and capitalised on yet more complacency in the Norwegian side. Sloppy passing out of the back allowed Oona Siren to take up the ball in space and find Oona Sevenius who struck into the top-right corner and flip the game on its head.

As the second half began, Norway continued to wilt as Finland stepped up the tempo. On the hour mark, Eveliina Summanen came close as her curled effort was saved onto the post by the diving Cecilie Fiskerstrand. Just when Finland looked to be taking the game to Norway, Graham Hansen came to life. She blazed over a golden opportunity to take the lead after 81 minutes, but then, after 84 minutes, sent in a lovely chip to the back-post which clipped the upright and bounced in. The Barcelona star had handed Norway an undeserved lead, but one that they held onto.

After both sides won their opening games of the tournament, this result puts Norway on six points and clear at the top of the group. Finland remain on three points and are still well positioned to qualify from the group. Switzerland and Iceland face each other later on Sunday evening knowing that defeat will see them on the verge of being knocked out of the competition.

Caroline Graham Hansen was the brightest spark on the pitch. She set up the opening goal with a great run and then was the match winner in the dying moments for Norway. Her chip to the back post may have looked like a cross, but she will no doubt claim she meant a brilliant finish.

Finland will be devastated to end up on the losing side against Norway after a phenomenal defensive display. The Finnish team were by far the more impressive unit and probably deserved to take all the points. Koivunen, in particular, warranted a place on the winning side after a number of fantastic saves, but Graham Hansen's class proved too much.

After Norway's win, they are almost through to the knockout stages. If Switzerland avoid defeat on Sunday evening against Iceland, Norway will qualify. Finland will be disappointed, but will know that a positive result against Switzerland in their final game of the group should be enough to see them progress.