Friendly in Las Palmas, February 7, 1996 ======================================== Spain - Norway 1-0 (1-0) Estadio Insular Att: 18 000 1-0 Kiko (45) Referee: M Nicchi, Italy. Line-ups -------- Spain (4-4-2): S Canizares - A Ferrer (M A Nadal from 46.), R Alkorta (J A Goikoetxea from 81.), Abelardo, Sergi - Manjarin (Fran from 46.), Donato, F Hierro (J Caminero from 46.), Luis Enrique - J Guerrero (Kiko from 27.), J A Pizzi. Norway (4-4-2): F Grodås - A I Håland, H Berg, R Nilsen, S I Bjørnebye - P Rudi, L Bohinen (S Solbakken from 18.), K Rekdal, Ø Leonhardsen - J Å Fjørtoft, T A Flo (J I Jakobsen from 25.). Match report ------------ An interesting first game in the preparation for the WC qualifying campaign which will start in June. For almost the first time under Drillo Norway played in the more offensive 4-4-2 formation, than the usual 4-5-1. The effect was an open game, with good chances falling to both sides. However, both keepers played well and especially Grodås had a very good game, probably his best on the national team ever. Fortunately, he seems to play much better when wearing the national shirt than in his club LSK... Offensively, the Norwegian play was much better than lately as well, and to my surprise they created a hatful of really good opportunities, but the old problem of putting the ball into the net was still evident. However, it was an encouraging sight, especially when you consider the opposition as Spain away must be one of the toughtest teams to play in the world these days. Actually, Norway had the better of the play in the second half after Spain had taken the lead on halftime, following a mistake by Rudi in midfield, who gave the ball straight to a Spanish player. Apart from that mistake, the Molde midfield general played well, and showed some classy touches. Unfortunately, the exciting partnership of Flo and Fjørtoft didn't last for more than 25 minutes, as the youngster had to go off with an injury. A pity, as up until that moment he had shown quite some class. It was later revealed that he had broken his ankle, and will be away from football for 4 months, thus missing Norway's first EC qualifying game against Azerbaijan. His replacement, Mini, didn't manage to put his mark on the game. Bohinen also had to throw in the towel at an early stage, to be replaced by Solbakken. The best midfielder was Leonhardsen, whose tireless running created some good chances, and with a bit more luck/skill he could have score a couple himself. In defense, Nilsen had a good comeback game, and managed to avoid his usual big mistake during a game. Berg was solid as usual as well. After the game Drillo admitted that the 4-4-2 formation had worked out better than he expected, and that Norway will be playing in that formation against Northern Ireland as well. The main difference between the two formations was there for all to see in this game, as Norway reverted to the 4-5-1 formation in the latter stages of the first half, after Flo was substituted. It was in that period if the game, Spain created the best chances, scored the goal and Norway was as inefficient as ever. After the break Mini played as a forward and the 4-4-2 experiment was continued.