Dutch joy in Oslo for Van der Sar

A Mark van Bommel strike was enough for the Netherlands to preserve their 100 per cent record in Group 9 and ensure a perfect send-off for goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar after 130 caps.

Temporary return
The FC Bayern München midfielder scored the only goal in Oslo on 63 minutes when he fired a weak Brede Hangeland clearance low into the corner from 20 metres to make it three wins in as many matches for Bert van Marwijk's team. Van der Sar, who had temporarily ended his international retirement for Saturday's game against Iceland and this contest following injuries to successor Maarten Stekelenburg and back-up Henk Timmer, kept a clean sheet to preserve the Dutch advantage.

Carew tamed
Norway had drawn their first two matches in the section, against Iceland and Scotland, and their hopes of going one better appeared slim as the Oranje defence quickly nullified the threat of John Carew, restricting the tall striker to a paltry number of significant headers. Åge Hareide's men were not alone in failing to create openings during a tepid first half but the visitors stepped up the pace after the interval.

Kuyt close
After Van Bommel's goal, the Dutch looked comfortable and same player almost doubled the lead a minute from time only to fire the wrong side of the post. Dirk Kuyt also rattled the bar with a superb strike but the damage had already been done and, ominously for the Group 9 chasers, Van Marwijk's team have already established a five-point cushion in the standings.