Under-19 team guide: Norway

THE COACH:
Now 60, Olsen took charge of Norway's Under-19 side following the departure of Ståle Solbakken to coach first division Hamarkameratene in the winter but will leave the post once the finals are over. Capped 16 times by Norway as a player, he achieved worldwide prominence in the 1990s when, as national team coach, he led his country to their first FIFA World Cup finals appearance since the 1930s in 1994, repeating the feat four years later when they beat Brazil en route to the second round. He then returned to club coaching for short spells with Vålerenga Fotball and Wimbledon FC in England and is also senior lecturer at the University of Sport and Physical Education in Oslo.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
The captain of the side is Jone Samuelsen, a midfield player with FK Haugesund, whom Olsen describes as "creative, clever with the ball". Up front, meanwhile, is Branimir Poljac of Stabæk IF. Half of the team are based with clubs in the Tippeliga, but playing for their reserve sides in the lower leagues; the other half play regularly with clubs in the first division. Their club responsibilities meant the squad met up on the Sunday before the finals immediately after the latest round of domestic matches.

ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
Norway were beaten by hosts Cyprus in the first qualifying round but victories either side of that setback, 2-0 against Malta and 6-2 against Bosnia-Herzegovina, ensured they still progressed from Group 7 as the second-placed team. In the second qualifying round there were no such slip-ups: Olsen's side beat Group 6 hosts Hungary 2-1 and Greece 1-0 before clinching qualification with a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Honours in UEFA youth competitions:
None