Northern Ireland v Norway Official Match Programme

NORWAY THE COACH Lars Lagerback, the new national coach of Norway, signed a three-year contract with the Norges Fotball Forbund (Norwegian FA) at the start of last month.

And his opening salvo clearly showed he is keen to build on his considerable international pedigree – and quickly. He said: “This is a challenge which really appeals to me. I am excited to be able to work with the Norwegian national team and bring them back into contention for a place in the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.” It appears to be a difficult task as Norway have only garnered three points from their four qualifying games to date, resulting in the dismissal of previous coach Per-Mathias Högmo in November. Before this evening’s encounters Germany had 12 points from four games, while Northern Ireland are in second place with seven points. “I think that Norway are capable of achieving a runner-up spot and a play-off for the finals in Russia,” said Lagerback, who of course achieved the ‘miracle’ of taking Iceland to Euro 2016 in France and secured that famous victory over England in the Round of 16. “I will be talking to all the squad players and emphasising that when they play for Norway only a 100% attitude is acceptable. When I was offered the post I didn’t have to think twice: the job appealed to me and I am still feeling the vibes of our success with Iceland. I looked at the potential in the Norwegian squad - a mixture of younger and more experienced players - and was excited at the prospect of taking on the challenge. “For me the mental approach of the players is vital. I want players who give 100% both in training and matches - the right attitude is crucial. It’s also important that the players are regular first team players with their clubs. A well organised team with a well-defined style of play is the foundation for a winning team.”

“If we beat Northern Ireland I believe we can reach the finals in Russia. We will probably have to win five games to have a chance of a play-off place. Northern Ireland is the first step,” added the Swedish coach, who is looking to take Norway to their first play-off for a major tournament since 2000. When the 68-year-old took over Iceland in October 2011 he stuck to the 4-4-2 system that he had favoured for so many years with his native Sweden, whom he took to five consecutive Euro and World Cup finals tournaments between 2000 and 2008. His charges reached the Euro group stages in 2000, last eight in 2004 and the group stages in 2008. In the World Cup they went out in the Round of 16 in 2002 in Japan and in 2006 in Germany. He resigned after Sweden’s failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in 2010. Discipline and organisation were Lagerback’s main focus after taking the reins at Iceland and there were immediate results. Iceland almost qualified for WC 2014 in Brazil when they only lost out in a play-off against Croatia. There followed a first ever qualification for the finals of a major tournament and Iceland, rated rank outsiders, reached the quarter-finals in France. That strong emphasis on meticulous preparation allied with cohesion, team spirit, and discipline both in defence and attack, paid rich dividends last summer - peaking with the sensational 2-1 victory over England on 27 June in Nice. Lagerback is likely to favour his tried and tested 4-4-2 system with Norway this evening. Words: Roy Kitson

33

www.irishfa.com