HANGZHOU, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- In-form striker Ragnhild Gulbrandsen got a comfortable hat-trick as Norway clinched a convincing 7-2 victory over African minnows to cruise through to the quarter-finals at the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 here on Thursday.

Norway qualified as group leaders with seven points, and will meet the second-place team of Group D in the quarter-finals. Ghanahave to go home 3 goals for and 15 against after three defeats.

"This is the biggest victory since I took over the Norway team in 2005, we played a very effective game. Especially our top scorer No. 16(R. Gulbrandsen), she was very effective," commented Norway boss Bjarne Berntsen.

"Our defense gave Ghana too many chances, and we need to improve in defence for the quarter-finals."

"The surprise is that we have a very young team. Only two players had World Cup experience, and most players are at 17 or 18. This is their first World Cup," said Ghana coach Isaac Paha.

Striker Ragnhild Gulbrandsen attracted most of the limelight in the 39th, 59th and 62rd minutes to list herself on top of the tournament with five goals, surpassing Brazil's Marta, England's Kelly Smith and Germany's Birgit Prinz with one goal.

Gulbrandsen's first goal of the match is also the 500th goal of the world women's soccer showpiece tournament.

"I'm very happy with that, but that's only a number. I'll make efforts in the coming matches and try to score more goals," said Gulbrandsen.

Midfielder Lene Storlokken put the Scandinavians ahead on four minutes with an accurate half-volley inside the area following a header.

Captain Ane Stangeland Horpestad converted a penalty at the brink of the break. Substitutes Isabell Herlovsen and Lise Klaveness added another two in the second half.

Ghana only got two consolation goals in the 73th and 80th minute with skipper Adjoa Bayor's nice free kick and Florence Okoe's penalty.

Norway prevailed with their skillful passing throughout the game, pressuring the Ghanians from time to time. The "Blank Queens" also had great chances on two clear occasions, only to be wasted by striker Anita Amankwa and Rumanatu Tahiru.

Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen rested some starters in the second half, but the Nordic power still piled on and made the massacre.

Talking about the coming quarterfinals opponents, Berntsen are full of confidence.

"We are not in our 100% form. I think we have great chances against China or Denmark. Both teams are well-organized, but if we are at our best we can beat either team to qualify for the semi-finals."