Norway remain in touch with Cyprus win

Norway kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup alive by easing past bottom team Cyprus 2-0 in Oslo.

Having been held in their previous two Group E encounters, the importance of victory for Egil Olsen's men could not be stressed enough. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim forward Tarik Elyounoussi lifted the pressure and Joshua King made it two in the second half to leave Norway well-placed ahead of Tuesday's meeting with section leaders Switzerland.

With an expectant crowd inside Ullevaal Stadion, the home side's most fervent prayer was for an early goal. Tom Høgli and Daniel Braaten both misfired, before Elyounoussi headed in Stefan Johansen's corner from close range. Visiting goalkeeper Antonis Georgalides then had to be at his best to deny Espen Ruud.

Norway continued to dictate proceedings after the interval and extended their advantage through King. Two minutes after coming off the bench, the 21-year-old collected Magnus Eikrem's clever pass and rifled the ball past Georgalides. Cyprus – rooted to the foot of Group E on four points – came closest to responding when Nestoras Mytides's teasing centre narrowly evaded Jason Demetriou.