Norway opt for domestic strength

Valencia trip
Coach Nils Johan Semb has named eleven players who are based in Norway in his party and four who ply their trade in England. BV Borussia Dortmund's Andre Bergdølmo, Henning Berg from Rangers FC and AC Siena striker Tore André Flo complete the Norwegian lineup for games at Valencia CF's Mestalla stadium on Saturday 15 November and the return in Oslo the following Wednesday.

Solskjær injured
Two of the country's leading forwards are missing from the group. Manchester United FC's Ole Gunnar Solskjær is injured, while John Carew has been overlooked. The AS Roma man withdrew from the final qualifying game against Luxembourg last month after being suspended from international duty in the wake of a training-ground fight with team-mate John Arne Riise, who is included.

Late call-up?
Carew scored against Reggina Calcio in Serie A last weekend and crucially has experience of playing in Spain, having spent three years at Valencia prior to his loan to Roma. However, Semb left the door slightly ajar for Carew to be added later, saying: "I haven't kept a space open for anyone but I can take as many players as I want." When asked what his side's chances of winning were, the coach said "it will be tough but it's possible".

Denmark on top
Norway finished behind Denmark in qualifying Group 2, only securing second place in the final round of matches thanks to Flo's goal against Luxembourg. The Danes qualified automatically for next summer's finals in Portugal.

Norway squad
Johnsen, Olsen, Andersen, Andresen, Basma, H Berg, R Berg, Bergdølmo, Brattbakk, H Flo, TA Flo, Hangeland, Iversen, F Johnsen, R Johnsen, Lundekvam, Riise, Solli, Strand.