Equaliser saves Norway's blushes
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Article summary
Norway were held 1-1 in Dubai by a United Arab Emirates side coached by Englishman Roy Hodgson.
Article body
UAE ahead
The Norwegians, fielding a side of domestically-based players, missed five good chances in the first half, and were made to pay when their hosts went ahead on 63 minutes when a free-kick was parried by goalkeeper Erik Holtan and Mohamed Srour followed up to score.
Helstad scores
However, nine minutes later Norway, watched by several hundred Dubai-based nationals, levelled the scores when Thorsten Helstad converted Fredrik Winsnes's cross, finally beating the UAE's impressive goalkeeper Mohammed Abdullah. Rushfeldt himself nearly won the game in added time but he missed the target from close range.
Coach reacts
Nils Johan Semb said after the game: "We were very ineffective. The positive things are that we created a lot of chances and defended well." His side, who lead UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 2, now travel to play Oman in Bosher on Tuesday.
