Vålerenga win it at the wire

Vålerenga IF have ended Rosenborg BK's 13-year monopoly of the Norwegian Tippeligaen after drawing 2-2 at Odd Grenland to edge out IK Start on a nail-biting final day of the season. Daniel Fredheim Holm and André Muri scored the crucial goals as Vålerenga claimed their first title since 1984, while Tommy Svindal Larsen and Tarjei Dale scored for Odd.

Start stopped
Start were level with Vålerenga on points before the last round and would have taken the title with a victory, but were beaten 3-1 at home by Fredrikstad FK. Øyvind Hoås, Hans Erik Ramberg and Martin Wiig scored for Fredrikstad, while Stefan Bärlin netted Start's lone reply. It made for an afternoon of high drama, with everything in the balance until the final whistle in the Vålerenga game.

Stuttering finish
The Oslo outfit held on to win the title despite failing to win any of their last six league games. They did not score a single goal in their five matches prior to the final day, but their coach Kjetil Rekdal was understandably sanguine. "That matters little now," he said. "We're league champions, and this opens the door for another chance to try to qualify for the [UEFA] Champions League."

'Immense achievement'
Start coach Tom Nordlie hailed his players’ achievement, despite the disappointment of slipping up on the final day. "I can't fault my players for commitment today. But even silver is an immense achievement for a newly-promoted side," said Nordlie.

Lyn in UEFA Cup
Start and SFK Lyn Oslo have qualified for next season's UEFA Cup after finishing second and third. Lillestrøm SK could join them if they win next weekend's cup final against Molde FK. Ålesunds FK and FK Bodø/Glimt are relegated, while Molde FK will have to play off for a place in next year's Tippeligaen against Sandefjord Fotball or Moss FK.