In Norway's Group E, Italy was the favorite. Italy's defeat in the first game against Ireland (0-1) was an immediate surprise. In the further course of the group phase, the teams, which included Mexico, neutralized each other, with each team earning a win, a draw and a defeat. The four finished the group tied, with Norway finishing fourth due to fewer goals scored and eliminated. Mexico won the group ahead of Ireland and Italy, which meant the three teams made it to the round of 16.