Norway beats Malta in Euro 2008 qualifier

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-06-03 16:32

STOCKHOLM, -- Norway trounced Malta 4-0 in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Ullevaal in Oslo on Saturday evening, reports from Oslo said.

Norway dominated from the start, but did not manage to create too many chances in the first half, according to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK).

It was actually Malta who had the first great opportunity to score, when Michael Mifsud started from midfield and was allowed to bring it all the way to the 16-meter line before firing.

Fortunately, Norway's goalie Haakon Opdal had control, NRK reported.

But after 30 minutes, Norway was rewarded. Thorstein Helstad received a pass from Bjoern Helge Riise and headed it past the goalkeeper from around 15 meters 1-0 for Norway at half-time.

Another pass by Bjoern Helge Riise in th 71st minute was received by substitute Thorstein Helstad, who had been on the field only one minute, when he scored.

A third pass by Bjoern Helge Riise 10 minutes before time was received by Steffen Iversen, who broadsided the ball into the goal.

Finally, after several fruitless attempts, John Arne Riise had a perfect hit and let go from around 20 meters. Malta's goalkeeper was close, but did not manage to stop the shot.

Norway is now third in Group C, with the same number of points as Bosnia, and will meet Hungary next on Wednesday.

 



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