Hareide sees hope for Norway

Coach Åge Hareide says Norway have "reason to look forward" to their next matches after back-to-back 4-0 Group C wins restored their UEFA EURO 2008™ hopes.

Perfect response
Hareide had come in for plenty of criticism following successive defeats against Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina but his side are now right back in contention after 4-0 wins against Malta and Hungary. Norway are fourth in Group C but level on points with second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina and third-placed Turkey.

'A good job'
"I'm very happy now, the boys did a good job," he said after Wednesday's 4-0 win against Hungary. "It is nice to see them playing the football we want, and getting the rewards they deserve. There is still a long way to go, but these last two matches give us reason to look forward to our next matches." Norway visit Moldova on 8 September and play Greece at home four days later.

Hangeland hailed
John Carew scored twice against Hungary to earn the coach's praise but Hareide also had fond words for central defender Brede Hangeland. "I have always believed in John and knew he would deliver goals," he said. "I'm very happy for him. Brede has grown in stature since his move to FC København and today he showed qualities that reminded me of players like Rune Bratseth and Henning Berg, both legends when it comes to Norway centre halves."