EC qualifier in Oslo, August 16, 1995
=====================================
Norway - Czech Republic 1-1 (1-0)
Ullevaal
Att: 22 054
1-0 Henning Berg (27)
1-1 Jan Suchoparek (84)
Referee: S Khussajnov, Russia.
Yellow card: Hapal (3), Nemec (21), Suchoparek (71), Czech Republic.

Line-ups
--------
Norway (4-5-1): E Thorstvedt - K P Løken, H Berg, R Johnsen, A I Håland -
J Flo, L Bohinen, S Solbakken, Ø Leonhardsen, J I Jakobsen (G Brendesæther
from 69.) - J Å Fjørtoft (H Brattbakk from 80.).

Czech Republic (4-4-2): P Kouba - M Kadlec - P Hapal, J Suchoparek, T Repka -
R Latal (K Poborsky from 78.), J Nemec, M Frydek, P Berger (P Nedved from 46.)
- R Drulak (P Samec from 78.), P Kuka.


Match report
------------
What an anti-climax! What a disappointment! After playing so well for 70
minutes, taking the lead 1-0, creating enough chances to add to that lead,
and generally controlling the game, the Czech equalizer 6 minutes from time
felt like a hard blow in the stomach. Not that the equalizer was entirely 
unjustified, as the Czechs had started to press more forward as the match 
progressed, but when you lead 1-0 at home in an important qualifying game, 
and know that if you keep that lead you'll be the first team to qualify for
the EC96, you simply don't concede a goal if you're a truly great team.
Unfortunately, Norway still aren't that, yet.

However, there were signs during the game that Norway could be, because the 
problem with this game was not the performance, but the result (usually it's
the other way around when Norway are playing). Except for the last 20 minutes
it was one of the best games Norway have played, against decent opposition,
in years. The defence with Thorstvedt in goal, Johnsen and Berg in the middle,
and Loken at right back was more than solid. Unfortunately, Haaland on the 
left wasn't, which proved to be costly in the play leading to the Czech goal.
Expect Bjornebye to be back in Prague, if fit. In midfield, 
Solbakken was excellent, IMO he's now better than Rekdal in every department
of the game. Bohinen started slowly, but gradually worked himself into the 
game, and Leo ran and ran like we're used to see him. But man of the match
was big Jostein Flo. Better trained than ever, he controlled the air 
perfectly, and showed some good passes along the ground as well. Gone was
the heavy statue who played against France. Only Mini was rather quiet, but
when he was involved he didn't make a fool of himself either. And up front,
Fjortoft was a constant threat, although he could sometimes let go of some
of his antics and teatrical acts, and go on with the game instead. Overall
the side which played 0-0 against France was unrecognizable.

The Czechs were a good side as well, with excellent technique and pace.
The return match in Prague will be a very tough encounter now that Norway
still need one more point to qualify. We will probably see a rather defensive
Norwegian team against an attacking home side which must win to qualify.
This could actually be an advantage for Norway as the Czechs then will have to
open up and hopefully expose themselves to Norwegian counter attacks.


Norway                  8   6  2  0  17 - 2  20 
-----------------------------------------------
Czech Republic          7   3  3  1  14 - 6  12
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  
Netherlands             7   3  2  2  15 - 5  11  
Belarus                 6   2  1  3   6 - 10  7  
Luxembourg              7   2  0  5   2 - 18  6  
Malta                   7   0  2  5   2 - 15  2  

95.09.06:  Czech Republic - Norway
95.09.06:  Netherlands - Belarus
95.09.06:  Luxembourg - Malta
95.10.11:  Belarus - Czech Republic
95.10.11:  Luxembourg - Belarus
95.10.11:  Malta - Netherlands
95.11.12:  Malta - Belarus
95.11.15:  Czech Republic - Luxembourg
95.11.15:  Netherlands - Norway