Demidov decider lifts Norway
Friday, October 12, 2007
Article summary
Norway 2-1 Switzerland Vadim Demidov scored a late winner as Norway climbed into second place in qualifying Group 5.
Article body
Vadim Demidov scored a late winner as Norway defeated Switzerland 2-1 to move into second place in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 5.
Home turf
The Scandinavian side lost their last outing to holders the Netherlands and could therefore not afford to lose further ground on the unbeaten section leaders tonight. Following a scoreless first hour, the game burst into life and Norway opened the scoring on 67 minutes through Tarik Elyounoussi on his home turf in Fredrikstad.
Midweek matches
FC Basel 1893's Eren Derdiyok levelled in the 83rd minute for the visitors but any hopes the Swiss had of recording a second successive draw were dashed in the 86th minute when Hønefoss BK defender Demidov settled things with his decisive strike. Norway have six points from three games ahead of their trip to F.Y.R. Macedonia on Tuesday, when Switzerland travel to Estonia.