Klaveness secures Norway win
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Article summary
Norway 1-0 Italy Lise Klaveness' second-half goal handed Norway victory to maintain their perfect start to qualifying.
Article body
A second-half strike from Lise Klaveness was enough to give Norway a 1-0 win over Italy and maintain their perfect record in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying.
Klaveness strike
Klaveness pounced on 65 minutes after some uncertain defending from a new-look Italian team, securing a victory that reflected the home side's dominance. The Azzurre are still adjusting to life under new coach Pietro Ghedin, and struggled to cope with Norway's physical and technical ability.
Italy in transition
Ghedin has made sweeping changes to the side after becoming coach following UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™. Italy had a disappointing campaign in England, bowing out after the group stage following three defeats, including a 5-3 loss to eventual finalists Norway.
Six-point cushion
The Scandinavians added Saturday's win to victories over Ukraine and Serbia and Montenegro to put themselves in pole position to reach the 2007 Women's World Cup in China. Only the winners of the five qualifying groups go through, but Norway already hold a commanding six-point cushion over Italy in Group 1.