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A miserable first quarter cost Norway dearly in a 1-4 loss to Portugal. Only thin theory keeps the Norwegian dream of playing in next year’s European Under-21 Championship alive.
Before Friday’s game, the national team coach, Leif Gunnar Smerud, had emphasized avoiding a new nightmare start against Portugal. Last fall, Norway were down 0-2 after 20 minutes when the teams met in Drammen. Obviously, the Norwegian players hadn’t learned much from that lesson.
In the afternoon heat in Estoril, Wolverhampton striker Pedro Neto spent just over a quarter of an hour scoring two goals. Julian Faye Lund had no chance on the first goal, while substitute goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson had to watch the ball go into the net through his gloves.
Klaesson had to replace Lund just minutes after Portugal’s first goal.
Good score from Norway
There was a big class difference between the teams in the first 20 minutes. On defense, Norway did not keep up with the Portuguese onslaught, but gradually improved.
After a few sporadic attacking attempts, Dutch pro Jørgen Strand Larsen dropped after a great individual performance.
The striker hit the ball off an inattentive Portugal goalkeeper and into the net through home team Diogo Leite’s stopper.
Norway stood out a bit in the quest for equalization. After a brief fight with the defender, Strand Larsen finally got the ball home.
Ten minutes later came the goal that destroyed the hope of the Norwegian points. Once again it was a player from Wolverhampton who scored, but this time it was after a major defeat by Klaesson. On his knees, the Vålerenga goalkeeper missed Vitinha’s shot from eleven meters.
I just won three
In the end, Portugal rose to 4-1 after a brilliant play. Dany Mota hit the leather ball into the net with a 45 degree pass from Daniel Braganca.
Norway have only won three of eight group matches in qualifying for the European Under-21 Championship. Ten points give a desperate starting point before the last two deals against Belarus (at home) and Gibraltar (away). Portugal is five points ahead with two games less played than the Norwegian team.
The Netherlands lead the group with a full pot with their 21 points after seven games.
(© NTB)
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