Iversen goal takes Norway second

Steffen Iversen struck four minutes into the second half as Norway secured a victory against Moldova in Chisinau which boosted their bid to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™.

Greece on top
The win pushed the Scandinavians into second place in Group C, two points behind European champions Greece, as they leapfrogged Bosnia-Herzegovina – beaten in Hungary – and Turkey who drew in Malta but have a game in hand. The top two meet in Oslo on Wednesday, when the Bosnians and Turkish are at home to Moldova and Hungary respectively.

Carew chances
After a sedate opening, a header from John Carew, saved by Moldova goalkeeper Serghei Pascenco, signalled the visitors' intent. Two other England-based Norwegians, Morten Gamst Pedersen and John Arne Riise, then went close before Carew of Aston Villa FC twice spurned chances to give Norway a half-time advantage.

Iversen goal
Åge Hareide's side went ahead early in the second half, however, when Martin Andresen crossed from the right wing for Iversen who found the top corner with a header from five metres. Norway lost Kjetil Wæhler to injury on 66 minutes, and Moldova's Ghenadie Olexic was also forced off in the 78th. Three minutes later Serghei Lascencov was denied from the edge of the area by Norway goalkeeper Håkon Opdal to leave Moldova bottom of the group with just two points to show from eight games.