When the draw was made over the weekend, Norway’s national soccer team wound up with tough rivals in its qualifying group for the European Championship (Euro 2012). Other group members include Portugal, Denmark, Cyprus and Iceland, meaning Norway will have to play all those teams twice and win if the Norwegian squad is to advance to the finals.
Coach Egil “Drillo” Olsen remained optimistic, saying that it was a group “where everyone could beat everyone.” Portugal, however, is considered a powerhouse team that’s made it to the European and World Championships every time since 2000. Norway has played both Portugal and Denmark and hasn’t managed to beat them yet. Play gets underway later this year.
(Written February 9, 2010)
