Netherlands v Norway Live

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Netherlands and Norway will face off in their own qualification match on Wednesday, with Norway at the bottom of the group nine rankings, but actually not that far from the 2^nd ranked Scotland. If Norway can make up five points they'll be able to compete in the finals next year, but Iceland and FYR Macedonia are both at four points, and only four away from getting that number two slot as well. The Netherlands has nothing to prove with 18 points, with an impressive record of 6 wins in 6 games. Norway has had three draws and a loss this year's qualifying season. 

These two teams faced each other back in October, in Oslo, with Netherlands traveling to Norway's field. The first half was pretty uneventful, John Carew from Norway missed two goals and then Netherlands' Dirk Kuyt tried for a goal and the ball went bouncing off of the bar instead, causing a groan from Netherlands' fans. After the first half ended Mark van Brommel was handed an opportunity, with a clearance from a corner, and he went into action, swiftly putting the ball in the net in the 62^nd minute of the game. This brought the score to 1-0 Netherlands.

The most recent game that Netherlands played was with Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday. That game won them their place in South Africa, when they beat Iceland 2-1. Norway's most recent was against FYR Macedonia in Skopeje. Both teams were competing hard for a top two ranking on the group 9 board, and Macedonia thought they had gained themselves some points when Aco Stojkov attempted a goal from just 10 yards at seven minutes into the game. However, Norway goalkeeper John Knudsen was on his toes, and turned the ball for a corner. As if they had gotten an idea from Macedonia Norway tried to score with a twenty five yard drive but the shot went wide. 

Both teams tried to score several more teams and Knudson had his hands full blocking shots from FYR Macedonia, finally Norway had a point, after Christian Grindheim sliced on in at sixteen at 24 minutes into the game. The game looked to be going to end well for Norway, but a free kick by Sedloski had them worried. However, Knudson blocked that one was well. Finally Morten Garnst Pederson's free kick was tipped in, making the final 1-1 draw. Norway and Netherlands will take the field on Wednesday, June 10^th and if you want to watch the game live, click on the banners on this page to get your membership. You'll be able to watch not only this game – but also the rest of the qualifiers, and the finals in South Africa next year with your annual membership.