Friendly, South Africa (H)

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 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.