Semb ready for tricky tests

Norway coach Nils Johan Semb has named a 20-man squad for his side's crucial UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying games against Denmark, on 7 June, and Romania, four days later.

Captain concern
The only injury doubt in the party is captain Henning Berg, who is struggling with a thigh injury but hopes to be able to train again in the near future. The squad is currently based at a training camp at the sailing resort Hankø near Oslo.

'Excellent mood'
"The mood in the squad is excellent and we are doing good training sessions," said Semb. "There are high tensions among the players, and it is always good with some temperature."

Straightforward choice
Semb admitted that his selection had been relatively simple. "The most difficult issue was the choice of the keepers," he said. "Espen Johnsen played very well in the friendly against Finland [which Norway won 2-0] last week and that was decisive." Odds BK goalkeeper Erik Holtan has not been included in the squad, with Johnsen and 35-year-old Viking FK goalkeeper Frode Olsen contesting the No1 shirt.

Decisive derby
The focus in Norway has inevitably been on the all-Scandinavian contest against Denmark in Copenhagen, a game that is likely to have a significant bearing on the outcome of Group 2. Semb’s side are currently top of the section with ten points from four games, having won three of their matches and only dropped points in their opening match, a 2-2 with Denmark. More than 10,000 Norwegian fans are expected to travel to the Danish capital for the match.

Norway squad
E Johnsen, Olsen, Basma, Berg, Hangeland, R Johnsen, Lundekvam, Riise, Hansén, Andersen, Bakke, T Flo, H Flo, Iversen, F Johnsen,  Winsnes, Leonhardsen, Solskjær, Carew, Rushfeld.