WALES Women are in a shootout with Northern Ireland for the runners-up spot in Group C of their qualifying group for Euro 2022 after being edged out by runaway leaders Norway.

An impressive, disciplined display wasn't quite enough in Oslo as Chelsea's Guro Reiten scored the only goal of a tight game in which Wales felt they should have had a late penalty.

Reiten opened the scoring on the half-hour following a short corner, clipping the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box as goalkeeper Laura O'Sullivan made a weak attempt to punch clear.

Caroline Graham Hansen thought she had added a superb second on the hour but her long-range strike was contentiously ruled out for offside as Lisa-Marie Utland was deemed to be interfering.

Wales finished strongly and appealed for a spot-kick when Norway captain Maren Mjelde appeared to handle in the box but nothing was given.

Norway are clear but Jayne Ludlow's side still have a big chance of qualification.

The nine group winners and three best runners-up seal their places with the remaining six runners-up entering the play-offs.

Wales host the Faroe Island and Norway in October with their boss aiming to build on their Oslo outing to claim precious points on home soil.

"When you think of our expectations, I am so proud of how hard the girls worked and the fact that we've created opportunities - ok, we didn't get the details right and take them - but the fact we've created far more opportunities than people would have expected, makes me so proud of the girls," she said.

"But it was a good performance, an improving performance again, which is all I can ask for.

"If we can improve again next month, then hopefully improving means we take our chances.

"The girls have a month to play some more games and we will look forward to the next camp."

Wales great Sophie Ingle made her 100th international appearance in Norway and the captain hopes that her 101st will be victory thanks to more of a cutting edge.

"We knew it would be a tough test against Norway, they are a great side and ranked above us, but we put in a great shift," she said.

"We had to defend really well and I thought we had chances to nick a goal, but unfortunately it didn't go our way.

"At this top level you have to take the chances you get and unfortunately we didn't do that. We created quite a lot of chances, we just weren't clinical enough.

"We have a few weeks now, hopefully everyone keeps fit for their clubs and we have the massive challenge of Norway coming to our place."