Norway make winning start

By Fred Magee at Mourneview Park

Norway made a solid start to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship as goals in each half from Karim Aoudia and Vidar Nisja earned a 2-0 win against Armenia in Lurgan.

Goal in each half
Armenia, appearing in their first finals tournament at any level, began brightly but fell behind to Aoudia's clever finish midway through the first half. The goal put Norway in control, and victory was assured with 21 minutes left as Nisja doubled the advantage, ensuring Norway's first success in a finals match since their 2-1 triumph against Liechtenstein exactly two years ago.

Early opportunities
Despite the result, Armenia actually started the better and might have taken the lead in the fifth minute, but AFC Ajax forward Edgar Manucharyan shot wide from a promising position. Two minutes later, in Norway's first real attack, Armenia goalkeeper Edel Bete was forced to punch clear following a corner.

Bete beaten
Norway continued to show more aggression and gained the upper hand, before going ahead in the 21st minute. Aoudia found himself with only Bete to beat, and put the ball into the far corner of the net with a clever lob that evaded the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.

Norway on top
Armenia searched for a way back into the contest, but the goal visibly settled their Scandinavian opponents who dominated in the lead-up to half-time. The pattern continued in the second period, with Norway dictating the pace of the game while Armenia passed the ball well but struggled to threaten the well-organised Norwegian back line.

Fierce second
Aleksandr Petrosyan created a half-chance as he dribbled past two players only to shoot straight at goalkeeper Joachim Heier, while at the other end Aoudia posed a regular threat. The result was effectively sealed in the 69th minute, Nisja making it 2-0 with a fierce shot. Norway ended the match in complete command, with only Petrosyan's free-kick causing Heier any problems, and celebrated with their small band of supporters at the final whistle.

Norwegian advantage
With France and England drawing 1-1 in today's other Group B game, Norway are the early leaders in the section ahead of Wednesday's fixtures, when they play the French at Windsor Park as Armenia meet England in Ballymena.