Henriksen takes Norway to the brink

Rosenborg BK starlet Markus Henriksen scored one goal and helped create another as Norway moved to within a point of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals with a 3-1 victory against a strong Wales outfit.

A Tippeligaen regular with UEFA Champions League experience, Henriksen wasted no time making an impression. He broke the deadlock after just three minutes with a fantastic volley, and though Lee Lucas swiftly equalised with a stunning solo effort of his own, Yann-Erik de Lanlay restored the Group 6 hosts' advantage midway through the first half.

Norway were always in control from then on, though they had to wait until 16 minutes from time before making the game safe, Håvard Nielsen capitalising after Henriksen caused mayhem in the box. "I'm happy with my performance but as I usually play with under-21s, when I come down to the under-19s I have to be one of the best," said Henriksen, 18. A draw against a "very strong" Serbia side on Tuesday will be enough to take Norway through.