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 Mphela broke free from the Norwegian defence. The visitors desperately lacked the vision of Steven Pienaar and our central midfield pairing Hauger/Grindheim bossed the midfield in the first half. Norway created a few chances, but neither Huseklepp nor Gamst Pedersen managed to get us a goal.

The second half started very brightly. A throw-in from John Arne Riise was flicked on by John Carew and Wæhler ghosted in to head the ball past the South African goalkeeper. Not much happened after the goal. South Africa looked fairly comfortable on the ball, but didn’t create anything except for a few wayward long shots. Norway was fairly solid at the back, but lacked creativity when Gamst Pedersen was replaced at the break.

Olsen gave all his subs a chance to play, while South Africa coach Joel Santana changed things around during the game. This game, despite being an ‘unimportant’ friendly, might prove decisive for the two coaches. Olsen maintained his good home record (31 games without defeat), and has in many ways cured a disillusioned side since he took over as caretaker. This win did nothing to harm his wish of becoming the permanent choice. Meanwhile, the pressure on Santana will only increase after today’s game. South Africa seem to have an awful lot of work to do before the World Cup starts next summer, and media is speculating if Leo Beenhakker (recently fired by Poland) will replace Santana soon.

Player ratings, Norway:

Knudsen 6 – Høgli 7, Wæhler 7, Reginiussen 5, JA Riise 5.5 – BH Riise 6, Hauger 6, Grindheim 6, Gamst Pedersen 6.5 – Carew 5.5, Huseklepp 6. Subs: Rindarøy 5, Høiland 5.5, Brenne, Braaten, Moldskred, Hæstad.

MOM: Høgli.

John Carew and Steffen Iversen, Norway’s current leading scorers (Both are tied at the top! Imagine the chances of that!), both had advantageous opportunities throughout the game to put Norway on the board. However, neither could deliver a ball to the back of the net. John Carew had the best opportunity, but great defending by Scotland’s Gary Naysmith and Gary Caldwell foiled any chances at that moment. Despite not putting up the points, Carew and Iversen proved Norway as an incredibly potent offense!

Speaking of missed opportunities, Scotland caught Norwegian goal-keeper, Jon Knudsen, with his pants down (Not literally of course!). Gary Naysmith snuck the ball across keeper Knudsen to Chris Iwelumo, a Scottish rookie making his big debut at home, leaving the goal wide open only to have Iwelumo miss the target from only a few meters away. This incredibly lucky turn of events on Norway’s behalf stunned the Scottish home crowd into complete and utter silence! Imagine!

Saturday’s tie puts Norway at a mere 2 points after two games of qualifying. Holland is leading the group with 6 points after 2 wins, but Norway will be able to hold them at only 6 points after the two teams face off Wednesday, October 15th. Scotland, meanwhile, sit at 4 points from 3 games after receiving the 1 point from Saturday’s tie.

Although a Norwegian victory would have been much preferred leading up to Wednesday’s big game, the tie will definitely suffice as Norway proved it’s worth in Group 9.

Norway started the day off well when Macedonia upset Scotland by defeating them 1-0 before Norway even got on the field. Macedonian midfielder Ilco Naumoski scored within the first 5 minutes and Macedonia held that lead as both teams continued to barrage shots, both shooting 10 apiece throughout the rest of the game. Many of Scotland’s fans that made the trek to Skopje did not even get to attend the game because the stadium staff did not allow them to enter. All in all, powerhouse Scotland received 0 points to start off qualifying instead of the expected 3 while the potential sleeper, Macedonia may prove how much they want to visit South Africa.

A few hours later(and a few hundred miles north), Norway and Iceland faced off in Ullevaal Stadium. While Norway wasn’t intending on blowing away the opposition, they were definitely picked as the favorite. Norway seemed to be incapable of holding a lead in their 2-2 bout. Norway’s first goal, by Steffen Iversen in the 36th minute, was immediately followed by a goal from Iceland’s Heidar Helguson 3 minutes later. Teams went into the locker rooms at half-time tied 1-1. Iversen started the second half right by scoring his second goal of the game in the 50th minute. Iceland scored in the 68th minute to tie the game and the score remained at that for the rest of the game.

While nobody can complain about starting off the campaign undefeated, Norway did not truly take advantage of Scotland’s initial loss Saturday. Norway is more than willing to prove that they are the force to be reckoned with of Group 9 and will face off at Scotland October 11. Hopefully Iceland will also strike a blow against Scotland and Norway will enter a winless Hampden Park.