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EURO 2012 – Qualifying draw

Norway was today grouped with Portugal, Denmark, Iceland and Cyprus. A tough group, but also one we have every chance to qualify from. Portugal are favourites to win this group, but struggled remarkably in their last qualifier. In the same group then were Denmark, who beat the Iberians for the top spot and automatic qualification for South Africa 2010. The Danes are a strong collective with key players in every area, but still a team we can pull up with on a good day. We are also paired against Iceland, who we also played in the recent qualifying campaign. Despite being a very small nation, Iceland has produced some very good players up through the years. Eidur Gudjohnsen and Barnsley wideman Emil Halfredsson have the capabilities of causing problems for both Denmark, Portugal and ourselves. Cyprus should be a walk in the park for us, but contrary to both Norway, Denmark and Iceland they actually managed to get a team into this year’s Champions League campaign. It would be silly to underestimate them, especially away from home.

If Norway should have any chance of qualifying, our key players must be in good form. At the moment, John Arne Riise seems to be on the top of his game for Italian side AS Roma. The left back is without a shadow of doubt our most consistent player, and probably the best left back in the world right now. John Carew, our star striker, has been poor for Aston Villa so far this season. He has been ridden by injuries and is currently not a first choice striker for his club. He has to improve and start getting goals to his name, if we are to succeed in the future. Brede Hangeland, our captain and central defender, hasn’t been near the standards which made him one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season. Still he continues to be a vital part of Roy Hodgon’s Fulham team, and naturally also a very important figure for his country. Morten Gamst Pedersen has been heavily criticised at times, but the left winger is actually doing quite well for Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn Rovers at the moment. He’s picked himself up, created some goals and scored a few, earning his place back into the first team. Long may it continue. Norway relies heavily upon him and Riise producing danger from the left side of the pitch.

Norwegian pundits are, like me, reasonably satisfied with the draw. A 2nd place seems most realistic, but we can easily end up as group winners or with nothing in third place. Exciting times ahead.

More Norway News

What now, Egil?

January 7th, 2010 | By: HJ | Comments Comments(0)

Finally given the job on a permanent basis, Egil Olsen will be in charge of the Norwegian National Football Team for the next three years. Olsen has always been a controversial figure in the football world, with his left-wing political opinions and his often criticised style of football. He’s also known for his extreme knowledge about world geography. Ask Egil ... [read more]

Norwegian football in 2009

January 4th, 2010 | By: HJ | Comments Comments(1)

This year has been a good one for Norwegian football, especially compared to the disastrous 2008 season. Here are some of the things we’ll remember from 2009:
JAN 11: Egil Olsen is installed as interim manager for the national team. He replaces Åge Hareide, who resigned one month earlier after leading the side for five years. The appointment of Olsen is ... [read more]

Friendly against Switzerland confirmed

October 19th, 2009 | By: HJ | Comments Comments(0)

The friendly against South Africa was our last home fixture of this season, but there is still one away game left to play in 2009. This match will be played against Switzerland, who unlike us, managed to qualify for the WC in South Africa. Norway finished second in their group, behind Holland, but unluckily we were the ‘worst’ of those ... [read more]

Friendly, South Africa (H)

October 10th, 2009 | By: HJ | Comments Comments(0)

10.10.09 | NORWAY – SOUTH AFRICA 1-0 (Wæhler, 48)
Attendance: 13.000
Referee: William Collum, Scotland.
In a drab match, Norway came out winners against South Africa today. Kjetil Wæhler scored the only goal of the game, just after the break.
Norway controlled the game for large parts of the 90 minutes. In fact, Jon Knudsen wasn’t tested until the 81th minute, when sub ... [read more]

Semb confirmed as chief executive

October 9th, 2009 | By: HJ | Comments Comments(0)

Former national coach Nils Johan Semb has been appointed chief executive of the Norwegian Association. The appointment was confirmed yesterday.
(more…)
... [read more]

The squad against South Africa

Introduction: HJ Fivelstad

New Year. New Coach.

Norway Escapes Scotland On Missed Opportunities

Scandinavian Tie To Start Campaign

Norway’s Introduction


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