Emilie Haavi finally broke down Equatorial Guinea’s defense in the 84 minutes and fled to Norway, a surprising 1-0 close to winning the World Cup opening match at the Women’s World Cup.

The heavily favored Norwegians had hit the post three times Wednesday and looked as if they had to settle for a 0-0 draw before substitute Leni Larsen Kaurin is free on the right side and passed to Haavi low in an open center.

Captain Anonman had several clear opportunities Anonman Equatorial Guinea, a nation of 670,000 in West Africa, a FIFA ranking of 61, the lowest in the tournament.

“I had a feeling we could have won the game after all,” Equatorial Guinea coach Marcello Frigerio said. “The country is new to all this. It is a completely new adventure.”

Brazil met Australia in Moenchengladbach in the game other Group D on Wednesday.

The game could be shot as early as the second minute, but first a soft attack ended when Norway attack ended when a diagonal shot from Haavi struck the inside of the post. Lene Mykjaland hit the post 55, and Isabell Herlovsen two minutes later.

Equatorial Guinea may have taken the lead to 53 when the green twisted Anonman forced a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth, but put the ball wide. She did the same at 72, before 12,928 fans an exciting match in a half empty arena Augsburg.

Norway has called for more pressure in the second half, leading eventually Haave objectives.

Equatorial Guinea has increased rapidly in the FIFA rankings and the game showed why.