Scandinavian Tie To Start Campaign

Sorry for the delay everyone! I apologize. Anyway, this weekend marked the true beginning of European qualifying for the World Cup 2010. Group 9’s start was quite unexpected. The top seed in the group, The Netherlands, did not play Saturday. Macedonia played against Scotland while Norway and Iceland faced off.

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.