Mjelde ready to end Norway's long wait
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Article summary
Maren Mjelde insists Norway are "long overdue a win" against Germany as Jarl Torske's improving outfit prepare for their semi-final meeting with the holders.
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Fifth-time lucky
Four of Mjelde's 36 games at this level have been against Germany but she is yet to savour victory, even if Norway have come close with two draws. They lost 2-0 in last season's group stage in Iceland, though pushed Germany all the way in a pre-tournament friendly three weeks ago, Maren Meinert's team shading a five-goal thriller. Mjelde hopes to make it fifth-time lucky in Tours. "It is time to focus on Germany and we are long overdue a win against them," said the 18-year-old. "What better day to beat them than Wednesday night!"
'The hard way'
The last time Norway's women's U19 side ran out winners against Germany in the lead up to the 2004 finals, Mjelde was just 14 – a run stretching back seven games in all competitions. A rematch appeared unlikely this time around too as Jarl Torske's side made a sluggish start to their campaign as they lost 1-0 to Italy. A 2-1 victory against Spain set them back on track, however, leaving them needing a point from their final match to progress at the expense of their opponents France. Mjelde's first-half header put the course, even if Eugénie Le Sommer's 74th-minute equaliser set up a tense finale. "It's great to get into the semi-finals again," said Norway's goalscorer. "We seem to do things the hard way but we did it in the end.
Goalscoring exploits
"I told the players to believe in themselves and they certainly did that in the last ten minutes, even if the football wasn't pretty," the Arna-Bjørnar Fotball player said, growing into her role as captain having been one of the younger starlets 12 months ago. Then she was playing in midfield, but has dropped into central defence this time around. It has not stoped her getting amongst the goals, however, firing in her eleventh for Norway U19s against Les Bleuettes. "It was great to get that goal," she said. "I love set-pieces and it was a great corner – all I did was turn the ball home." A repeat performance against Germany in Tours could end Mjelde and Norway's long wait.
