Berget's sidestep to success with Norway

Five days ago, UEFA EURO 2016 seemed a long way away from Norway. Two games and six points later, they are up to second in Group H thanks to Jo Inge Berget, whose personal comeback over the past six months has been as remarkable as that of his national team.

The 24-year-old was the cover star on the match programme ahead of Sunday's game against Croatia, even though he had never played a home game for his country – let alone scored a goal.

"I hope to make an attacking contribution, through scoring and creating chances," said the Malmö attacking midfielder in his pre-match interview.

He fulfilled that target spectacularly, scoring Norway's first in a 2-0 win, while his deflected shot gave them their second. The manner of his first goal was something to behold, Berget bamboozling experienced Croatia defender Darijo Srna with a clever drag-back before putting the ball away.

"He was there blocking my path so I pretty much had to do it," Berget explained. "If I cannot shoot straight away, then I have to wait for an opening."

Berget experienced personal vindication against Celtic©AFP/Getty Images

That sounds oddly like a metaphor for the way Berget's playing career has gone. Having failed to make a breakthrough at Cardiff City and Celtic in 2014, the one-time Udinese trainee took a side-step to Sweden to join Malmö this year and all of a sudden, opportunities have started to come.

His confidence has risen, and he had the great satisfaction of eliminating Celtic in this season's UEFA Champions League play-offs with his new side a few weeks back.

Very much the focus of attention after the Croatia game, Berget was mobbed by reporters looking for a killer quote, with the sounds of fans chanting "We're on our way, we're on our way to France" still audible from the jubilant Norway supporters outside.

Norway's man of the hour would not go quite that far. "We're not there yet," he told UEFA.com. "But with two matches left, we've put ourselves in a good position."