Moldova trample Norway's dreams
Friday, October 7, 2005
Article summary
Norway 1-2 Moldova Two fine goals saw Belarus come from behind to deliver a major blow to Norway's hopes of a Group 5 play-off place.
Article body
Moldova dealt a massive blow to Norway's hopes of a second-placed finish in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 5 with a 2-1 win in Drammen.
Norway ahead
The home side seemed to have put themselves into contention to grab the runners-up slot, and a place in the play-offs, when Trond Olsen prodded home a Tomasz Sokolowski corner from close range after 56 minutes, but Norway's hopes of an easy night evaporated within 90 seconds of the restart as Moldova equalised.
Tigirlas screamer
Denis Calincov capped a flowing passing move, beating Norway goalkeeper Jan Larsen with an impressive left-footed shot, and the visitors went ahead after 73 minutes when midfielder Igor Tigirlas silenced the home crowd with a rasping drive from 25 metres.
Belarussian task
Norway brought their goalkeeper forward in the closing stages as they looked for an equaliser, but it was not to be and they must now beat second-placed Belarus in their final game and hope that Slovenia fail to win at home against Scotland if they are to progress.