Flo sweeps aside Finland

Morale boost
Nils Johan Semb's team secured a morale-boosting victory ahead of the Group 2 matches against Denmark and Romania thanks to goals either side of half-time from Øyvind Leonhardsen and Tore André Flo at the Ullevål stadium.

Leonhardsen strike
Leonhardsen struck first on 22 minutes, adding the finish to an Ole Gunnar Solskjær cross after good work from John Arne Riise. With Flo causing problems for the visitors from the start, Norway dominated the first half and deserved their lead.

Kopteff denied
In fact, Finland had to wait until 15 minutes into the second half for their best opening, a long-range effort from winger Peter Kopteff which drew a fine save from young keeper Espen Johnsen.

Flo clincher
However Flo, who impressed alongside Solskjær in attack, put the game out of reach for the visitors when he scored his first goal in 25 internationals ten minutes from the end. "I got some answers tonight," coach Semb said. "We played well in periods, although we will have to be more consistent in our play against Denmark."

Missing parts
Meanwhile, Finland coach Antti Muurinen, who had to do without the unavailable Jari Litmanen and Mikael Forssell, will hope to have a full squad at his disposal for the upcoming Group 9 tests against Serbia and Montenegro and Italy.