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It hardly seems possible that this is Norway's first finals, given the speed and style with which they qualified. Hopes of success are high for Nils Johan Semb's team after building on the work done by previous coach Egil Olsen despite Norway's lackluster showing at France 98. Olsen was recently sacked by Premiership strugglers Wimbledon, but his lasting legacy will always be the way in which he developed Norway as a creditable international outfit before giving way to Semb. It all seems a long time ago when Norway shocked the football world by beating England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier. Anyone who had the radio tuned to football that night will never forget it. "WINSTON CHURCHILL, LORD BEAVERBROOK," screamed the Norwegian commentator, adding as many quintessentially English names as he could list before finishing off with the memorable line "MAGGIE THATCHER CAN YOU HEAR ME ... YOUR BOYS TOOK A HELL OF A BEATING." The date was Sept. 9, 1981. The result, at the time, was a monumental upset, but such has been Norway's progress in world and European football that it is now regarded, along with Portugal, as having a genuine outside chance of snatching the title at Euro 2000. A large number of the Norwegian squad play their league football in England, not least Tore Andre Flo, Steffen Iversen and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Scoring goals should not be a problem and with these three vying with the prolific John Carew in attack, Semb has plenty of options available. Norway's major failing is that they don't appear to have a fresh generation of players to replace what is rapidly becoming the old guard. And injuries to a number of key players, notably Ronny Johnsen, also limit their choices. But this has to be their best chance of reaching the latter stages of a major competition. The confidence of the squad is mirrored by expectations back home, and the first game against Spain is an intriguing encounter which neither will expect to lose. CNNSI.com's Gabriele Marcotti: While Egil Olsen is gone, his dopey long-ball game has not been forgotten, which means that Norway will still be a prickly opponent. There is talent in Solskjaer and Flo, but it's hard to see how the team's chaotic style can get them enough decent service. Remember, these are actual footballers who like the ball played to their feet, not big lumps who are happy just to chase balls in the air.
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Norway
