Youth debate rages in Norway

Norway stun the world

Heady days gone
After those heady days though, realism seem to have caught up with the Scandinavians, who failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Meanwhile at the recent UEFA European Under-19 Championships, Norway lost 5-1 against Slovakia, 3-0 against finalists Spain, and 1-0 against the Czech Republic despite the advantage of playing on home soil.

Hansen calls for changes
These disappointing results meant that the side failed to qualify for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup next year and have prompted Norwegian U-19 coach Björn Hansen to call for radical changes within the structure of youth football in Norway.

Poor excuse
"Somebody might dismiss our problems by pointing to the fact that as host nation we didn't have to play any qualifying matches but that is a poor excuse and we have to look deeper than that," said the experienced 63-year old coach, who celebrated his seventh tournament in charge of a Norwegian youth side during the championships.

4-5-1 formation
Hansen is still loyal to the basic philosophy of using a 4-5-1-formation at all Norwegian national teams. But the man from the so-called 'Rosenborg academy' also realises the obvious deficiencies of such defensively-orientated tactics. "We can no longer organise a team to success, not even at this level," Hansen said.

System-orientated
Well-known FIFA agent Rune Hauge agrees with Hansen's concerns. Hauge, who was one of many agents who attended the tournament, said: "It has over the years been increasingly difficult to sell young Norwegian players. This is mainly because they are so system-orientated in their play."

'Norway will never win World Cup'
Hansen and many of his colleagues are convinced that the only way to improve general standards in the Nordic nation is to prioritise youth football to a much higher degree because as he says: "Norway can never win the World Cup, but it should be possible to compete at top level."

Youngsters miss out
"Now we've seen the results, let's make something positive out of it," Hansen continued. "We must do something, take action. I hope Norwegian coaches have been present and seen the problems during this tournament."

Crucial time
Hansen is also concerned that Norwegian youngsters do not get their chance in the Norwegian Tippeligaen. "There are 65 foreigners in the league who do not speak Norwegian, that's a big problem for our youngsters," he said. "As a consequence more and more talents are fading out of football at a crucial time in their developing process."

Co-operation the key
Hansen firmly believes that closer co-operation with the school system might be the right way to get Norwegian football back on track. One thing is certain, the poor results in the U-19 tournament have certainly triggered a debate about youth development in Norwegian football – and possibly some changes too.