Norway advance with perfect record
Sunday, April 25, 2004
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Group A4 review: Norway qualified for this summer's final tournament ahead of Russia.
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By Graham Mackrell in Norway
Norway won all three Group A4 matches on home soil to qualify for the 2004 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship. Russia, in second place, however, will have to wait for Group A3 to conclude to learn whether they too will advance to Finland as one of the two best runners-up.
Veronik injury
Norway, beaten finalists last summer in Leipzig, were comfortable winners in their opening encounter against Austria, prevailing 4-2 having led 3-0 at half-time. To make matters worse for Austria, Alexandra Veronik damaged her ankle and had to travel home for treatment which ruled her out of the remaining two games.
Terekhova on target
Russia were clinical against Ukraine, Svetlana Tsydikova scoring twice in a 5-0 triumph which boosted morale ahead of a fixture against the Austrians which brought three more points. Elena Terekhova took her goal tally to three with two in the 4-1 victory against Austria, while Norway beat Ukraine 2-1 to join them on six points.
Heimlund leveller
The Ukrainians led 1-0 at half-time only for Norway to up the tempo immediately after the restart. Tone Heimlund, the tall striker who impressed last summer in Germany, levelled proceedings in the 46th minute before Guro Knutsen, who has played in the last two European Championships, made it 2-1 to Jarl Torske's side seven minutes from time.
Great header
The group would be decided in Tjolling, with Russia needing a draw to claim first place because of their superior goal difference. A tense match ensued with the first half producing few chances. Norway then grabbed the initiative in the 64th minute, Heimlund heading a great goal past Russia No1, Elvira Todua.
Late drama
Free-kick specialist Tsydikova peppered the Norway goal as the Russians went in search of the goal they needed, only for Knutsen to send Norway through with a close-range strike in the third minute of added time. Russia's hopes were not totally extinguished, however, and they will know by Friday whether they too have progressed. Ukraine beat Austria 2-0 in their final game to finish third.
