Stubborn Scotland nullify Norway

Norway 0-0 Scotland

Carew chance
Scotland started the game in inauspicious style, failing to generate a clear-cut chance in the first half. Norway began brightly, however, and John Carew was presented with an opportunity as early as the second minute. John Arne Riise's long throw looked to have opened-up the defence, but Scotland goalkeeper Robert Douglas was quickly off his line and the danger passed.

Douglas parry
Douglas again proved sharp minutes later. Another Riise throw found the head of Frode Johnsen, but the Celtic FC keeper parried well. Stephen Pressley was then booked for pulling down Carew, and Scotland seemed to be struggling.

Riise miss
Ole Gunnar Solskjær twice had sight of goal before the break, but he sent the first effort well wide before firing the second into the sidenetting. But Norway came the closest to breaking the deadlock after the break, Riise volleying against the post when presented with a straightforward chance from Martin Andresen's cross.

Lucky escape
After this lucky escape, Scotland managed to play their way back into the game, and Don Hutchison could have given them an unlikely lead shortly after, only for Johnsen to block his snap-shot. Johnsen had an accomplished game in goal, and was also on hand to snuff out a good Barry Ferguson chance.

Fletcher debut
Scotland manager Berti Vogts then gave a full debut to the exciting young Manchester United FC winger Darren Fletcher, but Norway continued to dominate. Riise and Carew spurned a series of late chances to win the game, before Douglas again came to the rescue, denying substitute Steffen Iversen with his legs.