Norway work hard for victory

Norway remain three points clear of Denmark ahead of their potential UEFA Women's Championship Group 2 encounter on Thursday after a 2-0 victory in the Netherlands, who were coached by Frans de Kat for the final time.

Odense encounter
Denmark's win by the same score against Spain today keeps them within three points of Norway with a game in hand. Should Norway win in Odense, they would clinch first place and a berth in England next summer.

Wissink in form
Today the Netherlands, who secured their place in the four championship groups late last month by beating Belgium, proved tough opponents for unbeaten Norway. Marleen Wissink was in fine form in the Dutch goal, and the first half was scoreless.

Crucial goals
However, early in the second half Hedi Pedersen gave Norway the lead and Unni Lehn soon doubled the lead to diminish the Netherlands' hopes of a play-off place, for which they must finish ahead of Spain and be one of the two third-placed sides in the top four groups with the best records. Their final qualifier is at home to Denmark on 29 September, when the Dutch will be coached by Vera Pauw.