Norway defeat restores French hopes
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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France 1-0 Norway
An own goal with five minutes left ensured Guy Ferrier's Group 5 hosts recovered from an opening loss.
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UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 5 hosts France's bid to reclaim the title they won in 2004 is back on track after a late own goal gave them victory against Norway.
Guy Ferrier's side lost 1-0 to Turkey on Friday when Norway drew 0-0 with Wales. But Kevin Dure's deflection with five minutes left got France off the mark, to within one point of leaders Turkey. France will qualify for their fourth straight final tournament if they beat Wales on Wednesday and Turkey do not defeat Norway, who to top the group will have to win by two goals and hope the other game is a draw.
On five minutes France had a penalty when Anthony Koura's run was ended by Norway goalkeeper Kristian Bjerke but Birahima Tandia missed from the spot. Koura and Abdoulaye Doucouré were both dangerous throughout the first half but could not find a way past Bjerke.
Substitute Bilel Omrani and Paul Pogba came close after the break and with five minutes left France were ahead, Marco Rosenfelder's free-kick only half cleared and Dylan Deligny's header deflected in by the luckless Dure. Bjerke pulled off a fine save in added time from Doucouré but the points were safe.
