Norway's 2007 Women's World Cup tour seems to meet great
challenge from the very beginning, as a more direct and physical
Canadian team coaching by former Norway boss Even Pellerud will
fight hard against the ambitious Nordic side at the Dragon Stadium
in Hangzhou on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Traditionally speaking Norway played some quick and efficient
games with many long balls and utilitarian approaches, but Bjarne
Berntsen's coming changed that greatly.
Norway's Solveig
Gulbrandsen practices, along with her son Theodor Gulbrandsen
during the training session for the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer
tournament in Hangzhou, eastern China's Zhejiang Province, on
Monday. Norway will play in Group C against Australia, Canada and
Ghana.
The former Norwegian men's national team player introduced a
more flexible style to the team and brought a lot of flesh blood.
He led the side to the final of UEFA EURO 2005.
"If you think we are physical, maybe Canada is more 'Norway'
than us. We've been training more technical work, especially in the
midfield," said Berntsen.
"I've read a lot of international websites offering expert
opinions on women's football. Most rate USA, Germany, DPR Korea and
Brazil as realistic trophy favorite, with Sweden and China as
outside bets. Hardly anyone's mentioned us, but I'm hopeful we can
spring a surprise."
Berntsen admitted that Pellerud's familiarity about Norway may
bring big trouble, but was confident of his own side.
"My team work hard and we have a strong defense, although we
need to improve up front. I regard my squad as very experienced and
very flexible."
On the other side, Canada is also fully prepared for the big
clash. The North American side has made rapid progress in the past
few years. They showed their class four years ago by reaching the
last four. Last year they had a great game against the United
States in the final of the 2006 CONCACAF Gold Cup, only to be
beaten by a last-gasp penalty in the extra time.
With ace striker Christine Sinclair up front, Canada is likely
to test Norway's solid defense in their opening game.
"I'm expecting the match to be a tactical affair. The Norwegians
are very well known to us, although I reckon they know less about
us than we do about them, so I'm hoping we might take them by
surprise," said Pellerud.
"Norway has always played the same way in recent years. My
players are giving a very motivated and energetic impression at the
moment. But at the same time they appear level-headed and focused.
They're ready."
Norway's weakness lies in the forward line, despite playmaker
Solveig Gulbrandsen may produce enough ammunition.
"In the 2-2 draw against Germany last month, we created 8 to 10
chances, but only had two goals. Germany had merely 5-6 chances. So
we have to improve up front," Berntsen told Xinhua.
The Norwegians remain unbeaten in eight previous meetings
between the two sides, with seven wins and one draw. The teams have
twice met at the FIFA Women's World Cup when Norway took easy
victories on both occasions (7-0 in 1995 and 7-1 in 1999).
(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2007)
