Coach Hege Riise tinkered with her side throughout the World Cup but never managed to find the lineup or tactics that would get the most out of her squad, and she faces an uncertain future after a third poor showing in four tournaments.
"But (Japan) did well, we played solid defence at times but not quite good enough."
Norway's defence was also shaky, with Hansen at left back and youthful central defender Mathilde Harviken targeted by opponents.
If Riise, a World Cup winner with Norway in 1995, cannot mend the bridges she burned by dropping Graham Hansen, she may not have another chance to see if she can get the most out of a side that is now best known for being far less than the sum of its parts.
Reporting by Philip O'Connor, additional reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Risa Shimizu, Mikalsen, Amanda Perobelli WELLINGTON, Hege Riise, Riise, Julie Blakstad, Emelie Haavi, Tuva Hansen, footers, Frida Maanum, Ingrid Engen, Vilde Boe Risa, Guro Reiten, Caroline Graham Hansen, Hansen, Mathilde Harviken, Maren Mjelde, Thea Bjelde, Ada Hegerberg, Sophie Roman Haug, Graham Hansen, Philip O'Connor, Nick Mulvenney, Christian Radnedge
Organizations:
Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Switzerland, Barcelona, Norwegians, Thomson
Locations:
New Zealand, Japan, Norway, Wellington , New Zealand, Tuva, Philippines