Olsen has Norway dreaming again

You would have been forgiven for thinking a time machine had transported you back to the 1990s given the scenes at the final whistle at Ullevaal on Tuesday night.

At the centre of the celebrations, after Norway had beaten Portugal 1-0, was the same coach that took Norway to the FIFA World Cups of 1994 and 1998 – and a best FIFA world ranking of No2 in 1995.

Egil Olsen, or 'Drillo' as he is known in Norway, was called in as a stopgap when Åge Hareide quit in late 2008. Since then, however, the 68-year-old has seen his side mature into a hard-working unit that plays football the way he likes it.

"I am the first to admit our attacking play leaves a lot to be desired, but defensively we are world class when the players perform like this," said Olsen after the victory over a Portugal team defeated only once in 21 matches, by Spain at the World Cup.

The winning goal epitomised what Tuesday's Oslo success was all about. John Carew challenged Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, and the ball fell loose for Erik Huseklepp to slot into an empty net. "I strained my thigh when I made that challenge, and had to come off later, but it was worth it as this win was so important," centre-forward Carew said.

Skipper and central defender Brede Hangeland spoke of "one of the high points of my career", adding: "All the lads gave their all, and the aggression we showed in our defensive play has to be admired. I am proud to captain this team."

Olsen will be in charge until after the 2012 finals as he looks to add a UEFA European Football Championship appearance to his resume after missing out in 1992 and 1996. "After we beat Iceland [on 3 September] I said our chances [of qualifying] were 50%, now they have risen to 60%," he said. Those odds will improve further should Norway make it three Group H wins out of three in Cyprus on 8 October.