Norway look for last-four place
Monday, July 9, 2007
Article summary
After their dramatic qualification, Norway coach Jarl Torske is targeting at least a semi-final place at the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.
Article body
Norway coach Jarl Torske is targeting a semi-final place at this summer's UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship in Iceland.
Qualification drama
With a few minutes remaining in the last round of qualifiers, Norway's aspirations of a place in the finals looked all but over. Trailing 1-0 to Denmark they looked like bowing out after collecting four points from their three games before striker Elise Thorsnes grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser. Even that was only enough for second in the section behind Denmark and they returned home disappointed, thinking their chance had gone begging before learning of their reprieve on landing in Copenhagen - a place in the finals as best runners-up.
Dual goal
Now there, Torske has set his sights on reaching the last four. "If we reach the semi-finals we will automatically qualify for next year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile," said the 58-year-old. "We see this as much a qualification tournament for that as a chance to take European gold." To achieve that aim Norway must finish in the top two of Group A in Iceland, which includes the hosts, Denmark and the might of holders Germany, who Torske accepts are favourites. "I think we will have to fight it out with Iceland and Denmark for the other semi-final place. There is little to choose from between the three sides and all will be decided by which team performs on the day."
'Mature look'
Torske will be aided by the presence of Thorsnes and Isabell Herlovsen, two players who have already won caps at senior level, with the latter playing a key role at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™. "These two will give the side a more mature look, and their experience from senior international football will strengthen the side," said the coach. Marita Skammelsrud Lund, niece of former Rosenborg BK ace Bent Skammelsrud, is another one to look out for while Arna-Bjørnar's Maren Mjelde is the team's midfield engine - all raising belief ahead of the finals. "The girls are getting more and more into their stride now that the league season is in full swing and that gives me hope ahead of Iceland," said Torske.
