National Team Friendly

National stadium
Spectators: 10300 (Terracing: 7725, Seating: 2369, VIP seats: 206) The field was rather wet after several days of rain when Petter Bø took the kick off in the first half of the match. An unexpectedly hard shot by Christian Grindheim in the 9th minute of play forced England's goalkeeper Vernon Auckland to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 14th minute the ball was on its way in behind Norway's goalkeeper Dagfinn Strandheim, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. In the 15th minute the ball was on its way in behind England's goalkeeper Vernon Auckland, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. Norway's attacker deliberately struck the ball against an opponent to win a corner for his team. The corner was taken by Morten Tallaksen in the 16th minute. Vernon Auckland showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Petter Bø in the 19th minute of the match. Norway's Runar Stornes got a good chance for a goal in the 23rd minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. An unexpectedly hard shot by Petter Bø in the 27th minute of play forced England's goalkeeper Vernon Auckland to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 28 minutes into the match, Norway's goalkeeper Dagfinn Strandheim had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Fred Ljungberg. In the 29th match minute, Norway was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Christian Grindheim to maneuver through the defense. After a defensive mix-up in Norway's zone, Chris Cuss stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Dagfinn Strandheim came out of the goal and Chris Cuss tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Vernon Auckland showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Christian Grindheim, who was totally free with the ball in the 32nd minute. A collision led to England getting a freekick after 38 minutes play. Dean Brindley hit a great ball. England's Vernon Auckland played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Christian Grindheim in the 40th minute of play. Dagfinn Strandheim took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Fred Ljungberg, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Vernon Auckland made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Petter Bø in the 47th minute of play. After fighting hard for a draw in the first half, the players were able to take a much needed rest.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Fred Ljungberg was the one to do the kick off. In the 50th minute, Martin Silden hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Simon Dobson took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 51st minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Dagfinn Strandheim. Norway's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Nils Fosberg hit a great freekick 53 minutes into the match. The supporters of Norway booed when England was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 67 match minutes in a wonderful position. Jermaine Gray didn't get a good kick on the ball. England made a substitution. Stevie Burton replaced Vinnie Elliott. A collision led to England getting a freekick after 68 minutes play. Jermaine Gray hit a great ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Fred Ljungberg in the 71st minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Dagfinn Strandheim prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Petter Bø fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 74th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vernon Auckland having to interfere. England made a substitution. Dominik Marenghi replaced Fred Ljungberg. After 77 minutes of play, the referee blew the whistle. It was a penalty for England! England:s Vernon Auckland showed great skill when he stopped Morten Tallaksen:s penalty. 83 minutes into the match, England's goal looked a bit too open when Martin Nordang came free, but Vernon Auckland reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 85th match minute, England was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Joe Starr to maneuver through the defense. After some fancy dribbling in the 85th minute, Morten Tallaksen managed to get in a good position for a shot. Norway's supporters rose to their feet, but Morten Tallaksen was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Vernon Auckland breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Norway's Dagfinn Strandheim played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Mirek Szymkowiak in the 90th minute of play. In the 91st minute, Jermaine Gray hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 93rd minute, Nils Fosberg hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Norway's Dagfinn Strandheim played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Dominik Marenghi in the 94th minute of play. In the 96thth minute of the game Dominik Marenghi who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Norway's Dagfinn Strandheim was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. England were really happy, having secured the victory after a very even contest. They thanked the players of Norway for a fine match.