Perfect run
Having won their first five Group 6 games, the 2005 runners-up added a sixth victory – and a 23rd goal without reply – against an Austria side on a high after their 4-2 victory in Poland last month. If Norway win in Poland on Wednesday, they would at worst only need to avoid a four-goal defeat in Russia on 2 October to top the group and reach the finals in Finland.

Early goals
The home side were never overwhelmed but fell behind on eight minutes when Ingvild Stensland's corner found Marit Fiane Christensen; her header was blocked by goalkeeper Birgit Leitner only for Lene Mykjåland to turn in the rebound. It was 2-0 eleven minutes later after good work from Lene Storløkken and Leni Larsen Kaurin set up Solveig Gulbrandsen.

Hat-trick complete
Just before the hour Norway scored a third. Again a Stensland corner was met by the head of Christensen and Mykjåland applied the finishing touch. Mykjåland completed her hat-trick with 17 minutes left after good work from Kaurin. Austria remain fourth although a point in Israel on Wednesday would take them above Poland should the latter lose to Norway.