Elimination signals end of Semb
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Article summary
Nils Johan Semb has resigned as Norway's national-team coach with eight months of his contract to run.
Article body
Aggregate defeat
Having been beaten 2-1 in Saturday's first leg in Valencia, the Norwegians needed to win tonight's return at the Ullevål stadium to qualify but were defeated 3-0. Semb had said in September that he would relinquish the post if Norway failed to reach next summer's finals tournament in Portugal.
'Sad end'
Semb said it was "a sad end" to a reign which started on 1 August 1998 when he replaced the hugely popular Egil Olsen. He added: "It has been an emotional night - in my 68 matches in charge of Norway we have never come up against a better team [than Spain]."
World Cup disappointment
Semb guided Norway to UEFA EURO 2000™, where they beat Spain in their opening game but missed out on the knockout stages. More disappointment followed when the team failed to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
