Battle-hardened Norway up for Hungary opener
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Article summary
Per-Mathias Høgmo believes his Norway side will "take the intensity" of their work in UEFA's club competitions into their home play-off opener against Hungary.
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Article body
- Per-Mathias Høgmo says UEFA club competition has ensured Norway's players are sharp
- Hungary coach Bernd Storck hoping for a positive start in the away leg
- Norway undefeated in over 30 years against Hungary
- Norway unbeaten in last four home qualifiers (W3 D1)
- Keeper Gábor Kiraly set to become second Hungary player to win 100 caps
- Return leg in Budapest on Sunday
Possible lineups
Norway: Nyland; Elabdellaoui, Forren, Hovland, Høgli; Skjelbred, Johansen, Tettey, Berget; Henriksen; Søderlund.
Out: none
Doubtful: Høgli (back)
Hungary: Király; Leandro, Kádár, Guzmics, Fiola; Elek, Nagy; Dzudzsák, Gera, Németh; Nikolic.
Out: Roland Juhász (suspended)
Doubtful: none
Per-Mathias Høgmo, Norway coach
I am not fazed by the fact that Norway have lost all six of their November home games in the last 20 years. This group includes plenty who are still involved in European club competitions, and they will take the intensity from these matches into the Hungary game. This is a completely new Norway side. We are still a work in progress. This is a very confident group, and I am impressed at how they handle both success and failure.
Bernd Storck, Hungary coach
A good start is important and of course the best thing would be to win. Norway are very good with players participating in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Being able to gather early means we've been able to continue to build team spirit and to work on special plans and routines which perhaps we weren't able to do before. We have a good team which can play very good football and we must now give them a chance.
Qualifying record
Norway, third in Group H
W6 D1 L3 F13 A10
Hungary, third in Group F
W4 D4 L2 F11 A9
EURO play-off record
Norway: W0 L1
Hungary: N/A
Reporter's view: Espen Haugen
Nine points from Norway's last four qualifiers has convinced the nation that a spot at UEFA EURO 2016 is within the national team's reach. For that to happen, a good result at home will be absolutely crucial against a Hungary side that have to go for an away goal to give them a foothold going into the second leg in Budapest
Did you know?
Hungary were still poised to qualify as the best third-placed team until Turkey's late winner on the final matchday. Find out more in our extensive match background.
