– I am so incredibly proud of this group. An effort against an Italy that is full of class players. It’s so sad to deliver these three performances here and not go ahead with one damn goal, says national team manager Leif Gunnar Smerud to news. The premise was clear for Norway before kick-off: If the Norwegian team was to make the EC quarter-finals, Italy had to be defeated by at least two goals – at the same time as France beat Switzerland in the second group match. It didn’t work out that way, but it was close for Norway. France swept Switzerland off the field, and when Erik Bothheim sent Norway into the lead in the second half, there was hope for a Norway in the quarter-finals. The U21 boys pushed hard for the second goal, and at times outplayed the Italians, but must return home from Romania after the group stage. – I am very, very proud, says captain Erik Bothheim to news. – We fight and press, and have a cannonade. We are giving it a real try against a very good team. We are close. It’s rude to do this with my group of friends, he continues. Italy dominated before the break After 15 minutes came the happy news that the French had taken the lead. However, Norway struggled in its own competition. FRISK: Emil Konradsen Ceïde did not hesitate to challenge the Italians. Photo: NTB Italia controlled the game almost exactly as they wanted, and star strikers Pietro Pellegri and Wilfried Gnonto each burned their big chance early in the game. The Norwegian players were running between each other and struggled hard against a supposedly stronger opponent. At the same time, Svetis hit back against France, and the road to advancement became one notch longer. “The gas pedal is in the air” At the break, national team manager Leif Gunnar Smerud announced that the team should “increase the pressure on the gas pedal”, and Norway did not take long to create chances. COACH: Leif Gunnar Smerud. Photo: NTB Emil Konradsen Ceïdete from outside the 16-metre area, but in the middle of the goalkeeper. Ten minutes later, Håkon Evjen tried from distance. The shot forced the keeper out at full stretch, but a much-needed goal awaited. Eventually, Smerud threw in the technical marvels Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, and it didn’t take long for them to make their mark. First, Nusa served a great chance to Johan Hove, which was blocked at the last minute. – Be careful guys! Be careful! you could hear shouts from the Italian when Nusa got the ball at his feet. The Italian full-back nevertheless stood back dizzy when Nusa used him as a rounding buoy midway through the half. The post was found by Erik Botheim, who has had a quiet championship for Norway. The striker’s hit on the ball wasn’t impressive either, but bounced high over the ground and at a snail’s pace into the net. At the same time, France took the lead again. Norway’s hopes for the quarter-finals were lit. GOAL SCORES: Erik Botheim sent Norway U21 into the lead against Italy. Photo: NTB Pressed for a decision At the same time as Norway threw people forward, the fight also wavered the other way. Italy created some huge chances, and it was almost unimaginable that the ball didn’t go in the goal when they were able to finish in the empty box from close range. Instead, the ball hit the crossbar. – It’s hard to believe that it doesn’t hit the mark, commented news’s Carl Erik Torp. Norway pressed hard in the final minutes, and also came up with some good opportunities. But it ended up with one goal. Thus, the EC dream is over for this time. – The second half is one of the most fun things I’ve been part of as a footballer, says a proud Bothheim after the victory. Last dance for Smerud Even before the championship, Smerud decided that this would be the last thing he did as U21 coach. He does not yet know what the future holds, and he has opened up to news that this may have been his last coaching job. This was the first championship the 46-year-old managed to win for Norway since he took over in 2014. Smerud would probably have liked the EC to last longer for the U21 boys, but it ended up being a group stage for Norway’s hopeful talents.
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Norway won the fateful battle – still out of the U21 EC – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
