Norwegian Football blog

2010-07-29T23:19:00.002+02:00

Europa League:
Molde-Stuttgart 2-3

Aalesund-Motherwell 1-1

Champions League:
AIK-Rosenborg 0-1
(Another goal by Markus Henriksen, who is not going anywhere according to Nils Arne Eggen)

Friendly:
Vålerenga-Barcelona 2-4

Tore Reginussen, the young central defender of Schalke has gone on loan to Italian Lecce.

Jan Jönsson to become next Rosenborg manager.

2010-07-26T13:15:00.004+02:00

Stabak.no has today finally confirmed what has been a badly kept secret for a long time: Jan Jönsson will go to Rosenborg when his contract with Stabæk finishes in December.

Jan Jönsson has been in Stabæk for 5 years, and led the team from Adeccoliga play to winning Tippeligaen in 2008. Jönsson was awarden the Kniksen price for his accivement.

Nils Arne Eggen, substitute manager in Rosenborg, was not in his best mood after yesterday's match against Stabæk, despite Morten Moldskred's late winning goal, his first this season. (watch him refuse the players to celebrate in front of the travelling fans)

Rumour has it Eggen would have preferred to coach Rosenborg for longer than the 5 months remaining.

Stabæk out, Rosenborg and Molde through

2010-07-22T23:48:00.002+02:00

Stabæk is out of the Europa League before it has started properly, they lost on away goals after playing 2-2 in Telenor Arena tonight(3-3 on agregate) against Dnjepr Mogilev, Molde lost 2-1 against Jelgava, but their 1-0 victory in Molde last week secured their victory on agregate.

Rosenborg finally goot it together and beat Linfield 2-0 at Lerkendal Stadion in the Champeons League, and they will meet the Swedish double champions AIK in the next match. 17-year old Markus Henriksen scored the important 2-0 goal.

2010-07-12T14:37:00.002+02:00

So the World Cup is over, and Norway didn't win this time either. Oh, that's right, we didn't even qualify. But now we are back and ready start on the long road to Euro 2012.

The most important thing that has happened in Norwegian football while the eyes of the world have been on South Africa and Jimmy Jump is that FK Lyn finally has been declared bankrupt. And the club that has been playing regularly in Eliteserien lately will have to start all over again in the 8th division.

The players have lost their job, and the only thing left is a 7000 supporters and the story of one of the first football clubs in Norway.

Stian Lyngstad, the 18 year old Lillestrøm talent fractured his leg in this weekends match against Rosenborg, and will be out for a while, bad news for the boy who might be the biggest side back talent in norway right now.

Chelsea, United and Lyon are all looking to sign Anthony Annan, the 23 year old Rosenborg player did well in South Africa together with Ghana and his value will have increased further.

Rosenborg is still on the top of the league, with Tromsø, Aalesund, Vålerenga and Viking following.

These are the quarter finals of the Norwegian Cup:
Ranheim IL - Strømsgodset IF
Rosenborg BK - IK Start
Follo Fotball - Sogndal IL
Odd Grenland - Viking FK
The matches will be played 14th or 15th of August.

Watch at 1:10 to see Rosenborg's right back Mikael Lustig score a quality goal against Alta:

Odd Grenland celebrated in unfamiliar ways in the last match against Hønefoss:

Norwegian Cup 3rd Round

2010-06-09T20:15:00.003+02:00

Strømmen - Fredrikstad 2-5
Stabæk - FK Tønsberg 2-2: (3-3 after extra time)
Follo - Lillestrøm 4-2
Odd Grenland - Mjøndalen 6-2
FK Haugesund - Bryne 6-1
Tromsdalen - Tromsø 0-0 (0-2 after extra time)
Lyn - Strømsgodset 2-4
Molde - Sogndal 1-3
Løv-Ham - Aalesund 2-1

Status: Both Molde, Aalesund, Stabæk and Lillestrøm have been knocked out tonight, Tromsø needed extra time to win, while Stabæk lost on penalties.

Rosenborg will play Alta on the 30th of June.

The best talents in Norway

2010-06-09T18:15:00.005+02:00

Mark sent us an email asking us about young players in Norway, here are parts of our answer:

The best Norwegian talents are probably Håvard Nordtveit, Nurnberg, Thomas Rogne, Celtic, Alexander Tettey, Rennes, plus a couple of Norwegians in Manchester United and Manchester City's Youth Academies.

However, todays list will focus on talents playing in Norway

TV2 has asked a couple of experts who they think are the biggest talents in Tippeligaen, personally I would like to add Markus Henriksen, Rosenborg, Mikkel Diskerud, Stabæk, and Joakim Våge Nilsen, Haugesund to the list that you can read below.

Per Ciljan Skjelbred, Erik Huseklepp, Tarik Elyounoussi and Ruben Yttergård Jenssen are players that have been considered talents for a long time, and should probably leave for a bigger league to get out their potensial.
Christer Kleiven was awarded the talent of the month of April, the jury said:

"Christer has taken this spring's Norway soccer by storm. Through good play and spectacular goals, he has distinguished himself greatly in the Premier League.

The season 2009 was a disappointment for Christer due to injuries and little playing time in both Start and at the U-21 national team. It is therefore impressive that he has been working hard and determined to come back and now performs at a high level of Soccer - this is evidence of strength. Christer is a determined player with a large capacity, good eye for the game, good drive with the ball and excellent finishing skills. The potential is huge and he appears to be a great role model for future Norwegian soccer talents, "
The jury consists of Nils Johan Semb, Under-21 coach Øystein Gåre and J19 coach Jarl Torske.

Auxerre is apperantly interested in signing Kleiven.

TV2's lists with comments:

Mads Stokkelien, Start:

- The major breakthrough of last year with 10 goals. A good finish, good movement as a forward and fearless in the battle game in front of goal. Good timing in the heading.

Vegar Eggen Hedestad, Stabæk
:
- Technical good central midfield player who was re-trained to left back last year with great success. Good one on one defensively, good speed and good passing.

Jo Inge Berget, Strømsgodset:

- On loan from Udinese to LYN last year, lent on to Strømsgodset year and is one of many exciting youngsters there. Technically good at small areas, fast and good as second attacker.

Marcus Pedersen, Strømsgodset:

- Tough striker who is uncompromising against opponents. Good finish with both legs and head, strong, quick and good in the game duel in the air. Could be ready for a bigger league already from 2011 if he keeps his progress.

Mohammed Keita, Strømsgodset:

- Quick and technical winger with good speed. Is good one-on-one offensive.

Nosa Emanuel Igiebor, LSK:

- Technical good midfield player who is especially good in the offensive game. Good at getting past opponents, good passing and is good at getting into the finishing positions from his midfield role.

Anthony Ujah, LSK:

- New signing in the LSK is a powerful and quick striker with a nose for goal, something he has shown this winter.

Bentley, Odd:

- Artist, dribbler and playmaker of the Odd through his good skills one-on-one offensive and accurate left foot which he uses frequently in the crossings and set pieces.

Fredrik Semb Berge, Odd:

Central defender. Good physics, football smart and calm and good with the ball in the legs.

Mohammed Fellah, Vålerenga:

- Can be one of the league's biggest profiles in this year's season through his excellent ball-handling, gorgeous through balls and very good shots.

Harmeet Singh, Vålerenga:

- Central midfielder who got his big break in 2009. Very good at running,, good with ball in tight situations and has developed greatly in terms of finishing skills.

Gjermund Åsen, Rosenborg:

- Played himself in to the U19 National Team during the winter, Good in tight situations and very nice passing and set piece foot. Looking forward to see if he gats a chance to play in a very solid Rosenborg midfield.

Jonathan Tollås Nation, Aalesund:

- Young talented central defender who has gained much confidence in Aalesund in the last two seasons and done well. Ball playing defender who is good in the air and with the ball on the ground

Fredrik Carlsen, Aalesund:

- Strong in the duels and his runs. The Midfielder is on loan from Vålerenga and he did very well for Aalesund in 2009. Fits perfectly in Aalesund's aggressive playing style.

Celtic to bid for Pedersen?

2010-06-08T20:48:00.002+02:00

The Scottish Sun claims that Celtic is ready to make a £2 million pound bid for Strømsgodset's Marcus Pedersen. The 19-year-old thinks UK would be a good place to continue his career, but Strømsgodset hasn't heard anything from Celtic yet.

Transfer talk

2010-06-01T15:23:00.002+02:00

The U21 played Friday against Hungary. In the 2-1 victory at Briskeby scored Hamar boy Marcus Pedersen both the Norwegian goals.

HA-sporten knows that Premier League teams Everton, Fulham, West Brom and Sunderland were present and then Marcus Pedersen knocked in two goals at Briskeby Friday night. In addition, Southampton was present.

When asked about some of the clubs HA-sporten mentions are interesting, Pedersen responds that "England in general is exciting."

Adressa.no claims to know that there are clubs in the Netherlands and Germany with an eye to the 19-year-old as well.

- Yes, I've heard anything about it, Pedersen said, before adding:

- At the same time I do not trust everything I hear.

However, HA-sporten knows that FC Twente is one of the clubs who have been impressed by Strømsgodset striker.

- Many clubs have been to see Marcus, but they have also seen Jo Inge (Berget) and Mohammed (Keita), "says sport manager in Strømsgodset, Jostein Flo.

Jan Jönsson will not sign a new contract with Stabæk. He has been there for 6 years, and is ready for new challenges. Rosenborg is probably his next move, but several other Scandinavian clubs are also interested in the manager that led Stabæk to the league title in 2008.

Fotbolldirekt.se tells us that Rosenborg are one of the clubs that are in the chase for Brommapojkarna's Miiko Albornoz, the 19-year-old left back is described as a super talent.

According to HA-sporten are both, Rosenborg, Fredrikstad and Danish Aalborg interested in signing HamKam's 18-year-old talent Thomas Lehne Olsen

Norway - Montenegro 2-1

2010-05-31T16:48:00.001+02:00

The Norwegian defence were balansed and in line, but had problems in the duels right outside the box, so Montenegro came to several chances, specially Vukcevic and Vucinic were dangerous.

The team needs to become more creative, and try passing to someone else than Carew, through balls to Erik Huseklepp is a good idea, he was dangerous everytime he got the ball yesterday.

A 4-51 or 4-3-3 formation seems to suit the team well, and Per Ciljan Skjelbred proved that he is best when he gets to play inside forward.

Grindheim and Gamst scored Norway's two goals. Grindheim beat the keeper in the air, and Gamst fired a free kick straight at the keeper, who lost it into the net.

The team against Montenegro

2010-05-28T17:37:00.002+02:00

(4-5-1)Rune Almenning Jarstein -- Tom Høgli, Kjetil Wæhler, Brede Hangeland, Jonathan Parr -- Erik Huseklepp, Ruben Yttergård Jenssen, Henning Hauger, Christian Grindheim, Morten Gamst Pedersen -- John Carew

(Yttergård Jennsen and Grindheim)
Ruben Yttergård Jenssen(22yrs) and Jonathan Parr(21yrs) are both playing their first match for the national team.

(Parr and Hangeland)
John Arne and Bjørn Helge Riise will be ready to play against Ukraine on Wednesday, when they have returned from Bjørn Helge's wedding.

The match against Montenegro will be Drillo's 100th as head coach for Norway, and you can watch it at Ullevaal Stadion tomorrow at 1600, it will also be shown on TV2.

short update

2010-05-24T19:51:00.004+02:00

Hi everyone. We are terrible sorry for the lack of updates lately, we will be back soon.

The highlights in the last weeks have been that Erik Hamren left Rosenborg yesterday. The old legend Nils Arne Eggen will step in as manager for the rest of the year. Rune Jarstein, who was sold to Viking from Rosenborg by Erik Hamren handed the victory in yesterday's match to Rosenborg, after pushing Trond Olsen inside the penalty area. The main reason why Hamren sold him was because of his temper, so Jarstein proved him right yesterday.
Watch the episode here.

Steinar Nilsen has been fired from Brann, and the team is currently second last in Eliteserien, seems like they not only need a new coach, but also new management, new players and a new pitch. Watch the bloopers from yesterday here.

Bergensavisa's front page today:

Molde are not doing to well either, they lost 3-1 to Kongsvinger yesterday, and are 12th in the league.

Both Vålerenga and Brann are already out of the Norwegian Cup after losing to teams several divisions under them.

update

2010-04-23T18:48:00.004+02:00

Breaking news! Hønefoss has won a match, and not just any match! They won 0-1 against Stabæk in Telenor Arena.

Stabæk are now moving out of their Stadium for the next 3 matches, as the indoor arena will be used for the eurovision songcontest.

The table after 7 matches played:

1 Tromsø --------16
2 Rosenborg -----15
3 Aalesund -------14
4 Strømsgodset- -13
5 Start -----------12
6 Vålerenga ------12
7 Lillestrøm------ 10
8 Odd Grenland --9
9 Stabæk ---------9
10 Haugesund ----9
11 Viking ---------8
12 Molde --------- 8
13 Brann--------- -5
14 Sandefjord -----4
15 Kongsvinger--- 4
16 Hønefoss ------3

We are experiencing some computer problems, and that is why we have failed to update the last weeks...

Best goals from the 5th round

2010-04-14T18:50:00.002+02:00

Results from the 5th round

2010-04-12T18:06:00.005+02:00

Lillestrøm — Stabæk 0-0
Yaaaawn.....

Brann — Start 3-4
1-0 Diego Guastavino (2)
1-1 Ole Martin Årst (10)
1-2 Cristian Bolanos (22)
2-2 Erik Mjelde (27)
2-3 Årst (39)
2-4 Christer Kleiven (57)
3-4 Eirik Bakke (90)

Brann's defence leaks like a sieve, and the people of Bergen are not known to be the most patient football supporters, 4 points in 5 matches are good enough for the Brann "supporters" who want both the board and the manager to leave.

Strømsgodset — Sandefjord 4-2
1-0 Marcus Pedersen (22)
2-0 Lars Sætra (45)
2-1 Espen Nystuen (45)
3-1 Jo Inge Berget (68)
4-1 Pedersen (71)
4-2 Malick Mane (86)

All four of Strømsgodset's goals were scored by teenagers.

Aalesund — Viking 3-1
1-0 Tor Hogne Aarøy (20)
2-0 Aarøy (24)
3-0 Pablo Herrera Barrantes (41)
3-1 Patrik Ingelsten (51)

Aalesund with their 5th win of the season, a very impressive start by the Tangoshirts. How long will it this winning streak last? Our guess is until Aarøy gets injured, banned or tired. He has scored 6 out of the 12 goals the the team has scored.

Hønefoss - Kongsvinger 1-2
1-0 Umaru Bangura (48)
1-1 Olav Tuelo Johannesen (66)
1-2 Adem Güven (70)

Hønefoss scored their second game of the season, but failed again to win any points. Kongsvinger will be very pleased with winning this 6 points match, however, KIL-manager Trond Amundsen chose to leave the club the day after the match. "I do not wish to be in a club that lacks a long term plan, it is difficult to motivate myself..."

Tromsø - Haugesund 2-0
1-0 Remi Johansen (3)
2-0 Sigurd Rushfeldt (82)

Another match without goals scored against Tromsø, and the team is on second place in Tippeligaen.

Odd Grenland - Rosenborg 1-3
1-0 Peter Kovacs (9)
1-1 Markus Henriksen (18)
1-2 Rade Prica (54)
1-3 Henriksen (81)

17-year-old Markus Henriksen scored his first and second Rosenborg goal in his third match from start in a row, he will now miss the next two matches as he leaves to play for Norway's Under19's.

Vålerenga - Molde 2-1
1-0 Mohammed Fellah (19)
1-1 Baye Djiby Fall (34)
2-1 Morten Berre (68)

Luton Shelton(who btw played great in this match) used his hand before Morten Berre's goal, and the goal should have been annulled, however, Vålerenga was the best team, and deserved the win.

The best goals from the 4th round

2010-04-08T19:34:00.000+02:00

Ibrahim signs new contract

2010-04-08T19:29:00.002+02:00

Manchester City's Norwegian talent Abdisalam Ibrahim has signed a new four year contract.

Roberto Mancini gave the Ibrahim his City debut against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup in January, and the 18-year-old made his Premier League debut when he was subbed in the 0-0-match against Liverpool in the end of February.

Results from the 4th round

2010-04-08T17:28:00.003+02:00

Molde - Brann 3-2
0-1 Petter Vaagan Moen (3)
0-2 Erik Huseklepp (24)
1-2 Daniel Berg Hestad (45)
2-2 Magne Hoset (57)
3-2 Mattias Mostrøm (69)

Haugesund - Hønefoss 5-1
1-0 Tor Arne Andreassen (3)
1-1 Kamal Saaliti (14)
2-1 Trygve Nygaard (24)
3-1 Thomas Sørum (82)
4-1 Nikola Djurdjic (91)
5-1 Jarle Steinsland (92)

Hønefoss hoped that changing goal keepers would help them concede less goals, Thomas Solvoll was replaced by Steve Clark, but the American did not get much help from the defence, and had to pick the ball out of the net 5 times.

Rosenborg - Strømsgodset 3-0
1-0 Trond Olsen (45)
2-0 Steffen Iversen (77)
3-0 Steffen Iversen (91)

Sandefjord - Odd Grenland 1-1
1-0 Eirik André Lamøy (6)
1-1 Simen Brenne (69)

Stabæk - Tromsø 0-1
0-1 Miika Koppinen (23)
Tromsø keeper Sead Ramovic was the man of the match, when Stabæk failed to score at home for the first time in almost a year. Jan Jönsson was sent to the stands after entering Tromsø's technical area.

Viking - Lillestrøm 0-0
Jarstein was excellent, and had several important saves, including a penalty from Arild Sundgot

Kongsvinger - Aalesund 1-2
0-1 Tor Hogne Aarøy (22)
1-1 Adem Güven (39)
1-2 Tor Hogne Aarøy (58)

Aalesund have won all their games this season, while Kongsvinger have lost all theirs. Manager Kjetil Rekdal is still not pleased though. "We must be the world's worst on throw-ins!"

Start - Vålerenga 5-3
1-0 Cristian Bolaños (15)
1-1 Mohammed Abdellaoue (51)
2-1 Christer Kleiven (54)
3-1 Christer Kleiven (59)
4-1 Ole Martin Årst (65)
4-2 Stefan Strandberg (67)
4-3 Mostafa Abdellaoue (73)
5-3 Ole Martin Årst (95)

21-year-old Christer Kleiven has had his break through this season with 4 goals in 4 matches.

about watching Tippeligaen live..

2010-04-02T22:24:00.004+02:00

Both TV2Sporten and 100%fotball offer live cover from Tippeligaen, for 999kr a year, and it is also possible to buy single matches, however, in order to register as a user you need a Norwegian phone number (+47)...

(Hope that answers your question, murat demirhan)

Last transfers

2010-04-02T22:10:00.002+02:00

Rocky Lekaj has signed for Lyn. The young Norwegian has been under contract with Sheffield Wednesday since 2006, but was no longer wanted by the Championship club.

Bernt Hulsker has gone on loan to Stabæk. The Start player will substitute Veigar Pall Gunnarson, who has injured his ancle, and will probably be out for 4 to 6 weeks.

Results from the 3rd round

2010-04-02T20:18:00.004+02:00

Start - Molde 1-1
1-0 Cristian Bolanos (7th min)
1-1 Thomas Holm (59th min)

Pape Pate Diouf broke a bone in his foot and will be out for 6-8 weeks.

Lillestrøm – Hønefoss 6-0
1-0 Frode Kippe (7th min)
2-0 Anthony Ujah (15th min)
3-0 Steinar Pedersen (23rd min)
4-0 Frode Kippe (37th min)
5-0 Tarik Elyounoussi (49th min)
6-0 Arild Sundgot (57th min)

Hønefoss has a goal difference of 0-10 after three matches. Karim Essidiri was the man of the match with 4 assists.

Odd Grenland – Haugesund 4-1
1-0 Bentley (46th min)
2-0 Simen Brenne (70th min)
3-0 Peter Kovacs (73rd min)
4-0 Bentley (77th min)
4-1 Thomas Sørum (80th min)

Aalesund – Stabæk 2-2
1-0 Tor Hogne Aarøy (2nd min)
1-1 Mikkel Diskerud (35th min)
2-1 Magnus Sylling Olsen (55th min)
2-2 Pontus Farnerud (90th min)

Strømsgodset – Viking 2-1
0-1 Patrik Ingelsten (42nd min)
1-1 Jo Inge Berget (56th min)
2-1 Børre Steenslid (selvmål, 70th min)

Beautiful goal by Berget!

Tromsø – Kongsvinger 1-0
1-0 Sigurd Rushfeldt (51st min)

Vålerenga – Rosenborg 0-0

Rosenborg managed to create one or two chances, and if it wasn't for Lars Hirschfeldt's saves they would have won, however, none of the teams managed to entertain the 17000 in the stands, as the pitch looked more suited for growing potatoes than playing football.

Brann - Sandefjord 3-2
1-0 Erik Mjelde (53rd min)
1-1 Victor Demba Binda (56th min)
1-2 Rune Ertsås (62nd min)
2-2 Guastavino (83rd min.)
3-2 Guastavino (90th min)

Results from the 2nd round

2010-03-23T18:10:00.003+01:00

Stabæk - Vålerenga 1-1
Not only did Kristoffer Hæstad score, he also blocked a shot on the goal line.
Stabæk's goal came in the 50th minute, when Pontus Farnerud showed great vision and class and passed perfecly to Johan Andersson, who had no problems in placing the ball behind Lars Hirschfeldt.

Kongsvinger - Odd 1-2

Hønefoss - Aalesund 0-2
Demar Philips scored two, and Aalesund are on top of the league with 6 points.

Haugesund - Strømsgodset 2-2

Lillestrøm - Tromsø 2-0
Tromsø hardly created anyhing, while LSK only needed 13 minutes to score two. Arild Sundgot scored the first on a pass from Anthony Ujah, before Ujah minutes later scored on a pass from Sundgot.

Sandefjord - Molde 3-1:
Molde had the lead at half time, but Sandefjord surprised after the break, and scored three in 17 minutes. Last year's silver winners have now lost their two first matches in the season.

Viking - Brann 4-0
Embarrasing result for Brann in this Vestland-derby, however, Viking scored a couple of beautiful goals, Ingelsten took it down on his chest before placing it behind Opdal, Ødegård and Nisja both scored on volley and the last goal came when Andreas a pass from Ulland Andersen(who had a great match as replacement for Sokolowski) found Birkir Bjarnason's head, who could score the last goal of the match.

Rosenborg - Start 3-3
A brillant pass from Steffen Iversen led to a penalty when Rade Prica was tackled by Bård Borgersen, and Rosenborg had the lead 1-0, but Roseborg's defensive line was unable to communicate, and Start could fool the offside trap again and again. Christer Kleiven did also score a candidate for goal of the year, with a howler from 20 meters. However, Steffen Iversen created great chances in attack, and Trond Olsen could score two equalizers for Rosenborg, and the very exciting match ended 3-3.

Watch the best goals of the round here.

Results from the 1st round

2010-03-15T21:10:00.005+01:00

Brann 0 - 0 Haugesund
Haugesund keeper Per Morten Kristiansen made it difficult for Brann. Haugesund had a couple of shots as well, but they either went outside of post, or straight on the goal keeper.

Odd Grenland 2 - 3 Stabæk
Veigar Pall Gunnarson had to assists in his comeback, former Odd player Espen Hoff scored the winning goal for Stabæk in the 90th minute.

Strømsgodset 2 - 0 Kongsvinger
Marcus Pedersen and Fredrik Nordkvelle scored.

Tromsø 2 - 0 Hønefoss
Debutant Thomas Drage (18yrs) assisted Sigurd Rushfeldt's (37yrs) first goal for the season. Tommy Knarvik scored the other goal.

Aalesund 3 - 0 Lillestrøm
Daniel Arnefjord, Tor Hogne Aarøy and Diego Silva scored, but Aalesund's keeper Lindegård was the main difference between the teams.

Start 2 - 0 Sandefjord
Young Christer Kleiven did not only scored, but had a great game from the midfield. Rune Hansen scored the season's first own goal, a beautiful lob over Sandefjord's keeper.

Molde 1 - 2 Rosenborg
Three Swedish goal scorers (Runström, Prica and Lustig) in this snowballfight. Molde scored first, but Rosenborg improved a lot in the second half, and did what they needed to bring 3 points home to Trondheim.

Vålerenga 2 - 0 Viking
Two long range shots from Moa Abdoulaue, one with his left and one with his right foot. Not the best debut for Viking keeper Jarstein

League Prediction: 1st place

2010-03-13T11:24:00.002+01:00

Rosenborg. (Last year: 1st in Tippeligaen)
+ The strongest squad, quality in all parts of the team.
+ The best defence in the league, including two of the best backs(Lustig and Dorsin), the three best central defenders(Demidov, Lago and Stadsgaard) and the very promising Simen Wangberg
+ Good players on the bench including a couple of young talents who have impressed during the pre season, (Sellin, Åsen, Bakenga, Wangsberg and Henriksen)
+ Has bought three good players: Moldskred(attack), Winsnes(Midfield) and Örlund(GK).

- Manager Erik Hamren will leave in August, and Rosenborg has still not found a replacement. Romour has it they are going to wait until Stabæk's manager is a free agent, but how will a temporary manager affect the players?
- There is also a change that some key players will leave during the winter. Skjelbred, Demidov and Annan are wanted by several clubs.

Player to watch:
Gjermund Åsen(18yrs) has impressed both as a winger and central midfield in the pre season games, and could be the next great Rosenborg player.

League Prediction: 2nd place

2010-03-13T11:22:00.001+01:00

Molde (Last year: 2nd in the league and the cup)
+ Jonevret is another great swedish manager.
+ Pape Pate Diouf has been good during the winter, as he has stepped out of the shadow of Mame Biram Diouf.
+ Thioune was brilliant in 2009, will he follow up? He has also had some groin problems this winter...
+ Dahle, Strandhagen, Meidell, Stamnestrø and Mame Diouf's little brother Mbar are some of the interesting talents in the squad.
+ Holm and Hoseth are solid central midfields.

- Jose Mota is on loan to Suwon Samsung Bluewings and M Diouf was sold to Manchester United.
- Goalkeeper Dørum Lilleback is injured, but Molde has borrowed Man United reserves keeper Ben Amos.
- Lacks good back up for the central defenders (Steen and Forren), Forren is likely to move to a bigger club this summer.

Player to watch:
Djibi Fall(on loan) looks like he is going to be another great Senegalese, like the two Dioufs and Makhtar Thioune. However, Molde will have to adopt their game a bit, as Fall is not the same type of striker as Mame.

League Prediction: 3rd place

2010-03-13T11:16:00.002+01:00

Stabæk: (Last year: 3rd in Tippeligaen)
+ Jan Jönsson is an excellent manager
+ Diogo da Costa Oliveira looks like a quality replacement for Daigo Kobayashi, and they have bought Veigar Pall Gunnarson back from Nancy. The "Gunnarson and Nannskog duo" was the main reason why Stabæk won the league in 2008. Are they going to be able to recreate the connection they had back then, or is Nannskog getting too old?
+ Some of the best central midfielders in the league with Hauger, Farnerud and Andersson.
+ Jon Knudsen is a good keeper. Stabæk is going to need him in shape as

- They have lost many defenders, and this is going to be Stabæk's achilles heel this year.

Player to watch:
Diogo has been praised up to the skies, will he be the next Alanzinho?

League Prediction: 4th place

2010-03-12T18:45:00.003+01:00

Viking (Last year: 10th place in Tippeligaen)
+ Åge Hareide is known to get good results in short time(as a club manager that is). Viking have played well this winter, and Hareide has found a system that suits the squad well.
+ With Jarstein on board Viking probably has one of the three best keepers in the league, but he needs a strong coach, as Jarstein is a player who demands a lot, and can at times have problems with his temper.
+ Patrick Ingelsten is an expensive, but exciting buy, and they haven't lost any key players. Nevland arrives in August.
+ A strong midfield (Sokolowski, Fillo and Bjarnason)

- Not the best defence, but they have a couple of good players(like left back Bertelsen) who could be solid if Hareide gets them to cooperate better. Lack a right back though, have tried to buy one, but haven't succeeded in finding any, however the supertalent Landu Landu could be ready for his break through if he gets the chance to play there
- The attack is quite thin, and they really need Ingelsteen to succeed.

Player to watch:
Martin Fillo has had a good winter, and might finally show us why Viking paid 10 million NOK for the former Czech under-21 Captain.

League Prediction: 5th place

2010-03-12T18:37:00.002+01:00

Vålerenga (Last year: 7th place in Tippeligaen)
+ Playing manager Martin Andresen has finally decided to focus on just managing the team from Oslo East.
+ Has bought Lars Hirschfeld (Goalkeeper) and Andreas Nordvik (Central Defender). Not great players, but Hirschfeld was good when he played for Rosenborg, and Nordvik is still young and learning.
+ Lots of routine in the defence, but they might lack a bit of pace and other attributes needed to support the attacks. Will probably have less free kicks against them, as Erik "Panser" Hagen has left for Hønefoss.
+ Fellah, Singh, Dawda Leigh og Fuenmayor are all very promising, and Vålerenga is probably the club with the best young talents.

- Has lots of players with potensial who are capable of being great, however, the question is whether Andresen will be able to make the most of this potensial.
- Vålerenga has lost many profiles, without replacing any of them, Perkins, Andresen, Storbæk, Fredheim Holm and Wæhler.

Player to watch:
"Moa" Abdellaoue has signed a new contract and will hopefully play like he did in 2008.

League Prediction: 6th place

2010-03-11T19:21:00.003+01:00

Odd (Last year: 4th in Tippeligaen)
+ Surprised last year with a 4th place, but the opponents will be more aware of the possible threat this year.
+ Manager Fagermo knows how to make the most out of the players he has got, even if this means playing dreadfully boring.
+ Arason is a solid goal keeper.
+ Good midfielders in Brenne, Bjørkøy and Samuelsen(from Viking), Lekven did also good last year.
+ Bentley is an exiting player, with good pace and technique
+ Has won 5 out of 7 matches in the pre-season

- Lacks a good defensive midfielder/deep lying playmaker. (Could Lekven do?)
- Many old players who have peaked several seasons ago, (like Fevang for instance)
- Needs to vary their tactics more, and not just play long balls forward to Kovacs.

Player to watch:
Fredrik Semb could be the next Odd profile if he gets the chance to play in the defence.

League Prediction: 7th place

2010-03-11T18:53:00.004+01:00

Lillestrøm (Last year: 11th in Tippeligaen)
+Solid defense, however Lillestrøm lacks good backups in case of injuries, not too much pace in the defense either.
+Lots on speed on the flanks with Knudtzon and Elyounossi.
+ Many opportunities in attack. Anthony Ujah and Edwin are probably first choice, but Henning Berg could vary the tactics with the talent Sigurdarson, and the experiences Occean and Sundgot.

- The midfield is not creative enough, except from Igiebor who was quite brilliant last year.
- Many good players, but they have some problems connecting with eachother.

Player to watch:
Nosa Emanuel Igiebor (19yrs old) is great one-on-one in attacks, and is supposed to be the next John Obi Mikel and Mahktar Thioune

League Prediction: 8th place

2010-03-11T18:37:00.004+01:00

Brann (Last year: 5th in Tippeligaen)
+ Two good goal keepers, but are they focused enough?
+ Huseklepp and Guastavino, two of the most creative players in the league. While David Nilsen is another type of attacker, which gives them a chance to vary their tactics. Huseklepp has also signed a new contract.
+ The signing of Erik Mjelde means more goal from the midfield.

- Has had a tendency of buying expensive players who are over the top rather than nuturing young talents, and are paying the price now with very few promising players.
- The defence consist more or less of attackers and midfielders who are forced to change posisions as Brann hardly has any good defenders.

Player to watch:
Guastavino's technique was why Brann bought him from Lyn one year ago. He didn't shine last year, but we think that he this year will be back to the level he had in Lyn. He and Huseklepp will make a terrifying duo for any defense.

League Prediction: 9th place

2010-03-10T22:05:00.003+01:00

Tromsø (Last year: 6th in Tippeligaen)
+ Vegard Braathen is an interesting signing, played well for Alta last year, but he has got big shoes to fill.
+ Tommy Knarvik, Ruben Yttergård Jenssen and Helge Haugen on the midfield
+ Sead Ramovic is the best keeper in the league, Tom Høgli is one of the best backs, Yndestad is not bad either
- No good central defenders
- Too many new players
- Has lost keyplayers like Lars Iver Strand, Tore Reginiussen, Morten Moldskred and Joel Lindpere.
- Rushfeldt doesn't get any younger
- No good wingers

Player to watch:
Vegard Braathen, Tromsø is known as a club who finds good attackers, is Braaten going to be the next after Flo, Rushfeldt, Årst, and Moldskred?

League Prediction: 10th place

2010-03-10T21:44:00.004+01:00

Strømsgodset (Last year: 12th in Tippeligaen)
+ Jostein Flo and Ronny Deila in charge have chosen to focus on young talents.
+ Great players in the attack with the most promising attacking duo in the league with Jo Inge Berget(The Fernando Torres look-a-like from Lyn) and Marcus Pedersen(The Norwegian Wayne Rooney), plus Øyvind Storflor, the king of assists.
+ Decent midfield.
- Have lost their creative midfielder and captain Fredrik Winsnes and need someone who can lead and motivate the team
- Young squad with lots of potensial but little routine. Only 6 players who are older the 23 in the squad!
- Adam Larsen and Lars Stubbehaug are both promising, but probably the weakest keepers in the league.

Player to watch:
Jo Inge Berget(19yrs) Tecnique, vision, speed and finishing!

League Prediction: 11th place

2010-03-09T21:01:00.002+01:00

Aalesund (Last year: 13th in Toppeligaen)

+ Magnus Sylling Olsen is a good signing, this means that Aarøy won't have to score ALL the goals.
+ Fight hard against better teams.
+ The best defense and goal keeper Aalesund has had in years. Good attacking backs and solid central defenders.
- Still too dependent on the giant Thor Hogne Aarøy.
- A couple of players with potential, but their current ability is just not good enough.

Player to watch:
Herrera is skillful and determent, the back contributes both in attack and defence, can be the big profile in this years Aalesund team.

League Prediction: 12th place

2010-03-09T20:14:00.004+01:00

Start (Last year: 9th in Tippeligaen)
+ Mads Stokkelien was the biggest surprise last year, can he preform at the same level this year as well?

+ Good first eleven
- Few good substitutes, will suffer if any of the key players are injured or match banned.
- The defence is to reliant on Goodson, when he is injured(as he often his) they struggle to keep the opponents from scoring goals.
- Both Goodson and Bolaños are likely to be sold during the summer, will they find replacements?

Player to watch:
Christer Kleiven (21) is reported to be the next Hæstad, Strømstad and and Marius Johnsen(!)

League Prediction: 13th place

2010-03-08T19:42:00.004+01:00

Hønefoss (Last year: 2nd in Adeccoligaen)
+ Has signed amongst other Paul Obiefule (Lyn), Davy Claude Angan (Lyn), Kristjan Örn Sigurdsson (Brann), Madiou Konate (Ankaragücü), Erik Hagen (Vålerenga), good players with experience from Tippeligaen.
- Hasn't impressed anyone in the pre-season
- It's going to time to establish a good connection between all the new players.
- Lacks a good goal scorer.

Player to watch:
Umaru Bangura, great midfielder with loads of potential. The 22-year-old from Sierra Leone, is capable of doing magic with the ball in his feet. This years Thiounne?

League Prediction: 14th place

2010-03-08T19:31:00.004+01:00

Haugesund (Last year: 1st in Adeccoligaen)
+ Scores a lot of goals, Last year Thomas Sørum scored 24 goals in 29 matches.
+ Great enthusiasm in the city of Haugesund, are going to be strong at home.
+ Has bought exciting players, rather than exciting names(like Hønefoss), could Pelu and Savolainen show why Rosenborg brought them to the club in 2008.
- Goal keeper Kristiansen and the central defenders Tronseth and Skjerve are probably not good enough for this level,

Player to watch:
Joakim Våge Nilsen: 19-year-old left back who played regularly on the team last year, and even made it to the team of the year.

Viking signs Jarstein and Nevland

2010-03-08T19:13:00.003+01:00

Viking has bought Rune Almenning Jarstein from Rosenborg. Rosenborg wanted to sell him as Jarstein did not want to risk being 2nd choice after Daniel Örlund, and refused to sign a new contract.

25-year-old Jarstein is currently 2nd choice as National Team Keeper, behind Jon Knudsen.

Jarstein has signed a 4 year contract.

Erik Nevland will arrive this summer, when his contract with Fulham expires

Viking is also interested in signing another Fulham player, the right back Fredrik Stoor.

Rosenborg has signed 22-year-old Erik Bråthen from Fredrikstad as a replacement for Jarstein.

League Prediction: 15th place

2010-03-07T22:46:00.005+01:00

Sandefjord (Last year: 8th in Tippligaen)
+ Good defense and goal keeper, Espen Bugge Pettersen is currently third choice as National team keeper behind Knudsen and Jarstein.
+ Could be underestimated by opponents
+ Patrick Walker is a good manager, but will he stay during the whole season?
- Has lost Erik Mjelde, who is going to score from the midfield now?
- Doesn't have a good match winner.
- Small squad

Player to watch:
Ebrima Sohna is a good defensive midfielder, a ball winner and warrior who could be the next Anthony Annan.

League Prediction: 16th place

2010-03-07T22:34:00.005+01:00

Kongsvinger (last year: 3rd in Adeccoligaen)

+ Manager Trond Amundsen is an expert at making much out of little material.

+ No-one thinks they will survive in the league, so they'll play without pressure.
+ They play well at home.
+ Has signed the well experienced Thomas Myhre, and the hard-fighting warrior Vidar Riseth.
- Doesn't have any money, and hasn't had the chance to strengthen their squad before the season, except from a few free transfers.
- Hardly any players with experience from Tippeligaen.
- Too few players in the squad
- Has lost their top scorer from last year, Magnus Sylling Olsen.

Player to watch:
Edier Frejd was solid in the qualifying match, and can play in all parts of the defence, is strong and fast.

Rosenborg win the Super Final

2010-03-07T22:09:00.004+01:00

Aalesund - Rosenborg 1-3

Kris Stadsgaard and Rade Prica scored in the first half, Trond Olsen scored right after half time.

Rekdal made three substitutions before 60 minutes were played, and the new energy brought Aalesund a goal, scored by Peter Orry Larsen.

However, Khari Stephenson was injured some minutes later, and Aalesund had to play with only 10 players, as they had no substitutions left.

Even though Aalesund came to a couple of chances in the second half, there was never any questions about who was going to win the match between the league- and the cup winner.

Watch the goals and the highlights here.

Update

2010-03-04T18:34:00.005+01:00

9 days to the season kicks off. The coldest winter in a long time and the earliest league start ever makes it difficult to be a greenkeeper.

Andreas Nordvik has signed for Vålerenga. The defender played for the Oslo club this fall on loan from Rosenborg, and has now been sold. Good news for Vålerenga, who have been short of central defenders.

Viking and Rosenborg have agreed about a transfer for Rune Jarstein, but Jarstein hasn't desided whether he wants to sign or not.

Rosenborg has been clear on wanting to sell any player who doesn't want to sign a new contract, and Jarstein has said that he won't sign as long as he is not the clear first keeper.

Rosenborg have tried signing Espen Johnsen again as a replacement, but the 30-year-old, has declined, and might be going to Swedish AIK instead, however Johnsen also considers retiring and starting his Doctor internship.

Another possible replacement is believed to be Tromsø's Kenny Stomatopoulus.

Tromsø has signed the Australian National Team back Jade Bronson North.

Tarik Elyounoussi has gone to Lillestrøm on loan from Heerenveen.

Hønefoss has finally scored their first goal in 2010. The newly promoted club scored against Fredrikstad in todays friendly, their 7th match in 2010. Madiou Konate scored the goal.

FC Lyn Oslo have changed their name to FK Lyn. The members finally realized they live in Norway, and will now support Fotballklubben Lyn
.

Norway beat Slovakia 0-1 in the friendly match yesterday. Morten Moldskred scored the goal.
Erik Huseklepp(to the right) was the best player. Despite only playing the last 30 minutes, he managed to create and come to several changes.

2010-02-23T22:24:00.004+01:00

Knut Olav Rindarøy (Molde), Vadim Demidov and Morten Moldskred(Rosenborg) have been included in Egil Olsen's squad for the match against Slovakia next wednesday.

PS: Check out this goal scored by Baye Djibi Fall in the match between FC Midtjylland and Molde.

Thomas Myhre tells his story

2010-02-17T19:22:00.003+01:00

Thomas Myhre has today revealed what happened the night in January which led him to being late for practice the following morning.

Viking decided to end the goalkeepers contract last week, because of this incident.

Myhre, however, claims that he was drugged, and had 160,000 NOK (approx. £16,000) removed from his bank account the same night.

Myhre has told the Norwegian newspaper VG that Viking, after a friendly match in Spain on the 22nd of January, was granted permission to go out. They ate dinner and drank some alcohol before going to a club. Myhre then had a ten hour long blackout before he
woke up in an unknown apartment the morning after. This led him to being 20 minutes late for the players meeting and not completing the following practice.

After returning to Norway, Myhre asked the police for a drug test, and there was found traces of drugs in his blood.

Viking are not going to change their decision on firing Myhre

National Squad

2010-02-15T18:46:00.003+01:00

Egil "Drillo" Olsen has picked a squad of 16 players for the friendly match against Slovakia on the 3rd of March.

Rune Almenning Jarstein (Rosenborg),
Jon Knudsen (Stabæk),
Kjetil Wæhler (Aalborg).
Brede Hangeland (Fulham),
Henning Hauger (Stabæk),
Tom Høgli (Tromsø),
John Arne Riise (Roma),
Espen Ruud (Odense),
Per Ciljan Skjelbred (Rosenborg),
Alexander Tettey (Rennes),
Bjørn Helge Riise (Fulham),
Erik Huseklepp (Brann),
Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn),
Christian Grindheim (Heerenveen),
Daniel Braaten (Toulouse),
John Carew (Aston Villa),

There might be a couple of more players added later, as he is still looking for a few more defenders, Jon Inge Høiland(Stabæk) and Vadim Demidov(Rosenborg) are likely to join the squad.

Thomas Rogne debut

2010-02-13T14:27:00.001+01:00

Thomas Rogne(19) played his first match for Celtic when he entered the pitch in the 62nd minute of the wednesday match against Hearts. Celtic won 2-0.

Roar Strand turns 40

2010-02-13T14:20:00.002+01:00

Rosenborg legend Roar Strand just turned 40 years old, but is still a part of manager Erik Hamren's plans this season.

The Rosenborg Captain has won the Norwegian league 15 times, which is an European record.

Norway in group H

2010-02-13T14:01:00.005+01:00

Norway will meet Portugal, Denmark, Cypros and Iceland in the qualification to Euro 2012.

Denmark, Iceland and Norway are quite even, and could all beat each other, but Denmark will be the favorite to grap the second place in the group.

Thomas Myhre finished in Viking

2010-02-13T13:53:00.003+01:00

Viking has ended Thomas Myhre's contract, supposedly after being late for practice after going out the night before in January, but Myhre claims that Viking has been looking for a reason to sack him for a long time.

Transfer talk

2010-02-10T22:12:00.003+01:00

Erik "Panzer" Hagen has signed for Hønefoss, Vålerenga did not renew his contract. Hagen came to Vålerenga from Zenit St. Petersburg, but has struggled with injuries lately.

Stabæk has signed the Brazilian winger Diogo da Costa Oliveira and Iclandic defender Bjarni Olofur Eiriksson.

Friendly matches results

2010-02-10T19:36:00.004+01:00

30.01: Stabæk - Manchester Uniteds reserves 0-3 (Mame Biram Diouf scored two in his return to Norwegian football)

30.01: Sandefjord - Häcken 1-1
30.01: Sandnes Ulf - Viking 1-4
01.02: New York Red Bulls - Strømsgodset 2-1
02.02: Odd Grenland - Vålerenga 3-1
02.02: Tromsø - Lech Poznan 2-2 (
03.02: Molde - Sjakhtar Donetsk 0-3
03.02: Brann - Løv-Ham 5-1 (Erik Huseklepp scored a hat-trick)

04.02: Hønefoss - Sandefjord 0-0
04.02: Odense - Rosenborg 3-2
04.02: Strømsgodset - Rubin Kazan 0-4
05.02: Kalmar - Molde 6-4 (Pape Pate Diouf scored two, and has been looking good so far in the pre-season.)

05.02: Bryne - Viking 0-3 (Ingelsten scored his first goal for Viking)
06.02: Kongsvinger - IK Brage 2-2
06.02: Rosenborg - CSKA Moskva 1-4
06.02: Stabæk - Halmstad 3-2
06.02: Aalesund - Sogndal 2-1
09.02: Elfsborg - Rosenborg 1-1 (Rosenborg still haven't won one game in the preseason)

Transfer talk

2010-01-30T13:01:00.004+01:00

Knut Olav Rindarøy has signed a new contract with Molde.

Celtic wants to sign Mohammed Abdellaoue(Moa) from Vålerenga, the 24 year old is in the last year of his contract.

Tom Nordlie is finished in Fredrikstad. The manager has been released from his contract, for economic reasons according to the Fredrikstad board.

TV2 claims that Jan Jönsson has verbally agreed to become the next Rosenborg manager when his contract with Stabæk ends in 2011. Stabæk chairman, Ingebrigt Steen Jensen, is not pleased with Rosenborg talking with Jönsson while he is under contract.

Rosenborg manager Erik Hamren will leave Rosenborg in September 2010 to fully commit to his job as manager of the Swedish National Team.

Friendly matches results

2010-01-30T12:01:00.003+01:00

27.01: Las Palmas - Brann 1-2:
Erik Huseklepp, who has been linked with Stoke and Newcastle the last week, scored one of Brann's goals.

29.01: Start - Haugesund 2-2
Ole Martin Årst signed a new contract with Start, and celebrated by scoring two goals.

29.01: Lillestrøm - GAIS 1-0 (highlights)
The match was stopped after 5 minutes when the police has to calm down the supporters of Swedish GAIS. Olivier Occean scored the only goal.

29.01: Aalesund - Molde 1-1 (highlights)
Pape Pate Diouf scored with an overhead kick in the first minute, but Aarøy equalized in the second half.

29.01: Kongsvinger - Hønefoss 2-0
Kim Holmen scored in his debut for KIL.

29.01: Odd Grenland - Tromsø 0-0
Odd Grenland won the penalty shoot out in the La Manga cup.

29.01: Rosenborg - AIK 1-1 (highlights)
It was the young local players of Rosenborg who played best in this match against the Swedish League Champions. Kjell Rune Sellin(20yrs) scored Rosenborg's goal, and Simen Wangsberg(18yrs) was voted man of the match.

Rosenborg sells Sapara

2010-01-28T18:06:00.005+01:00

Rosenborg and the Turkish club MKE Ankaragücü have agreed about a transfer for Marek Sapara. The 28 year old Slovak has been a key player for Rosenborg since his arrival in 2006, and his passing and free kicks have at times been second to none in Norwegian football. He has had the playmaking role in Rosenborg's attacks, but has had problems with his ankle in the last year.

Sapara says he has mixed emotions about leaving the club, but has been clear on his wish to play in a bigger league, especially as he wants to play in the World Cup this summer, and has not wanted to renew his contract.

Sapara is well known for his beautiful free kicks:

"Oh ah Sapara" is a well known chant for the Rosenborg fans. (Inspired by Man Uniteds "Oh ah Cantona")

(rbk.no)

Etzaz Hussein

2010-01-27T22:11:00.003+01:00

Etzaz Hussein has signed professional forms with Manchester United after turning 17 years today.

manutd.com writes
"Etzaz Hussain is a creative, playmaking midfielder with bags of skill and passing ability.

Confident and comfortable on the ball, the left-footed diminutive midfielder likes to be in possession and kick-start United attacks.

He also has the ability to time his runs into the box and score goals.

Etzaz is one of three Norwegians at United, following in the footsteps of midfielder Magnus Eikrem and forward Josh King, and another player United have spotted through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's strong links back home."

Senegalese attacker to Molde

2010-01-25T19:12:00.003+01:00

Baye Djiby Fall has signed a loan contract with Molde. The FC Lokomotiv Moskva will play for Molde until August 2010.

Fall played for OB(Denmark) in 2008, became one of the most important players, and was on top of both the assist and the scoring list. He went to Lokomotiv Moskva in March 2009.

Molde is supposedly also interested in Emmanuel Banahene Osei from Ghana and Serbian Vojislav Dragovic, according to NRK.

Norwegian debuts for Manchester City

2010-01-25T19:09:00.003+01:00

Junior International Abdi Ibrahim played his first match for the Manchester City first team yesterday in the FA-cup match against Scunthope. The Somalian born 18 year old played the whole match at City's right midfield.

2010-01-25T18:54:00.004+01:00

Sogndal confirms that both Everton and Rosenborg are now interested in signing Even Hovland. The 20 year old has been training with Manchester United recently, but did not get a contract.

Knut Olav Rindarøy to train with Man United

2010-01-25T18:49:00.004+01:00

Molde's left back has been training with Manchester United since Friday, and will stay until Tuesday. Rindarøy was earlier training with Everton, but has now supposedly caught Alex Ferguson's attention.
[Moldefk.no]

Friendly matches results

2010-01-25T18:45:00.002+01:00

23.01: Haugesund - Sogndal 1-1
23.01: Molde - Kristiansund 6-0
23.01: Lillestrøm - Strømmen 2-0
23.01: Kongsvinger - Strømsgodset 0-2

24.01 Odd Grenland - Lech Poznan 0-0 (4-5 after penalties)

Transfer talk

2010-01-23T13:49:00.008+01:00

Morten Gamst Pedersen is according to Daily Mirror in talks with Fenerbache about a transfer either in January or for free during this summer.

Even Hovland did not get a contract with Manchester United after training with the English club this winter.

Erik Mjelde has returned to Brann after four years in Sandefjord, the 25 year old is delighted to once again play for his favorite club and will play with Azar Karadas' old number on his back, number 6.

Knut Olav Rindarøy has been training with Everton since Tuesday. His contract with Molde ends in December 2010.

Kim Holmen has signed for Kongsvinger, the 27 year old's contract with Lyn ended in December 2009.

Rosenborg might sell Steffen Iversen as he still hasn't signed a new contract. The same goes for Vadim Demidov, Rune Jarstein and Marek Sapara

-It is an option to sell players with short time remaining of their contract if we do not reach agreement. Given the current economic situation, we can not risk key players leaving us for free, " Erik Hoftun explains.

Auction for Haiti

2010-01-23T13:13:00.003+01:00

John Arne Riise has started an auction in support of Save the Children's work at Haiti.

You can buy signed shirts from John Arne Riise, Bjørn Helge Riise, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Steven Gerrard and Francesco Totti and football boots worn by John Arne, Gerrard and Totti along with other things from Norwegian athletes like Petter Northug, Marit Bjørgen, Petter Solberg and Thor Hushovd.

Molde to play in purple

2010-01-23T12:57:00.003+01:00

Magne Hoseth is known for his interest for clothes and hair, and is going to love Molde's new third kit.

Friendly matches results

2010-01-23T12:08:00.003+01:00

22.01: Start - Sandefjord 4-0
Bolaños scored two despite only playing 30 minutes.
Ole Martin Årst played 15 minutes in a comeback after originally retiring in October 2009.
16 year old Sondre Kristiansen played his first 11 minutes for Start.
22.01: Stabæk - Moss 5-1
22.01: Basel - Viking 4-0

Friendly matches results

2010-01-20T19:46:00.003+01:00

18.01: Vålerenga - Skeid 1-1
19.01: Follo - Vålerenga 0-0

Vålerenga definitely needs to work on their attacks after hardly creating any chances against these two, Follo were promoted to Adeccoligaen this fall while Skeid were relegated from it.

19.01: Tromsdalen - Tromsø 2-3

Celtic sign Rogne

2010-01-20T19:33:00.003+01:00

The 19-year-old Thomas Rogne has signed for Celtic on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Both Brann and Stabæk has been trying to sign the central defender, but after training with the Celtic first team for a couple of days the U21 Norwegian international decided to sign for the Scottish club.

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray said: “Thomas is a young player we’ve watched for a while and we’re delighted to bring him to the club. He’s only 19 but has had good experience in the Norwegian league.

We’ve had a chance to have a look at him in recent days at Lennoxtown and he’s shown up well. He has all the physical attributes and personality to be a success at Celtic."

[celticfc.net and tv2sporten.no]

17 out of 18 clubs gets a renewed licence

2010-01-19T19:05:00.004+01:00

Moss FK is the only club that hasn't had their economy approved by the NFF. The club did not have positive equity on the 31.12.09, and will therefore be relegated from Adeccoligaen to 2. division. They have got 14 days to appeal, but if the appeal is not accepted HamKam will play another season in Adeccoligaen despite being relegated this fall.

Friendly match results

2010-01-17T11:03:00.003+01:00

Kongsvinger IL - Follo: 5-0

Vidar Riseth scored one in his comeback for Kongsvinger. The sentral defender headed in a cross from Gambino. Riseth has returned to Kongsvinger as a combined head of marketing/player.

Olav Tuelo Johannesen and Kai Risholt scored two each.

(kil.no)

Vålerenga signs Lars Hirschfeld

2010-01-15T18:58:00.003+01:00

Friendly match results

2010-01-15T18:43:00.003+01:00

Randaberg 2-2 Viking (Highlights)

Notodden 3-6 Strømsgodset

Lillestrøm 3-0 NIL/Trysil (Highlights)

friendly match results

2010-01-14T21:48:00.006+01:00

Brann - Haugesund 0-2

Highlights available at tv2sporten.no.

Transfer talk

2010-01-14T21:15:00.004+01:00

Vålerenga's goal keeper Troy Perkins has left the club. He will go back to DC United, the club he played for from 2004 to 2007.
Vålerenga is now trying to find a new first keeper, and Espen Bugge Pettersen(Sandefjord) and Rune Jarstein(Rosenborg) are among the candidates, however the former Tromsø and Rosenborg player Lars Hirschfeld seems to be the hottest tip, the Canadian is currently second choice in the German club Energie Cottbus

SlySports' Transfer Clockwatch this morning reported this:
07:40 Reports in Norway are suggesting Fulham's £4.7million bid for Rosenborg's Norway international Per Ciljan Skjelbred has been accepted. Something to look out for Cottagers fans.

but Skjelbred agent Andreas Ekker says he has not heard anything, neither from Fulham nor Rosenborg.

Former CSKA Moskva player Erik "Panzer" Hagen says he would be interested in finishing his career in Hønefoss, the 34-year-old Vålerenga defender is currently recovering from a hip surgery.

About the financial situation

2010-01-11T13:33:00.004+01:00

We've wanted to write more about the financial crisis in many Norwegian clubs, but it's difficult because the newspapers don't write much about it anymore. The 14th of January is the date when NFF will start investigating the clubs, so we'll probably have more information soon.

What we know:

FC Lyn is now safe. Various investors have invested over 6 million NOK since the end of November. They've lost 14(!) players, cut the wages(some of the players now have to work outside football as well to make a living), they've fired one coach, and will now play their home games on Bislett Stadium rather than Ullevaal stadium (which they used to rent for a high price, especially compared to the fact that they only had about 5000 attending their home games.)

Fredrikstad has also managed to collect money, more than 5 million NOK, however they owe 400,000 NOK to Sarpsborg 08, money Fredrikstad owe after a qualifying match in November. Sarpborg has given Fredrikstad 14 days to pay them back.

The last time we heard from Tromsø was in the middle of December, they had then raised more than 10 million NOK, but were still short of more than 5 millions.

IK Start is probably safe. The city of Kristiansand's cultural foundation has agreed to give the club 6 million NOK if they managed to get the same amouth of money from another source as well, and they have. Three local investors have opened up their wallets.

Another attacker leaves Molde

2010-01-09T15:11:00.003+01:00

Jose Mota will go on loan to the South-Korean club Samsung.

"The Koreans have offered Jose a deal that from what I understand is difficult to turn down. It is clear that it would have been good to have Jose play for us this season, but I have good hope that we can replace him with a couple of good players, so I'm not worried. We had never agreed to this agreement if we had not though we would get stronger from this, " Kjell Jonevret says to moldefk.no.

Transfers

2010-01-07T21:02:00.007+01:00

Tromsø and Rosenborg have agreed about Morten Moldskred, Rosenborg have been trying to sign the goal-getter since this summer, and Moldskred is now on his way to Trondheim to discuss a contract.

Rosenborg has also signed Norwegian Fredrik Winsnes and the Swedish goalkeeper Daniel Örlund.

Hønefoss have kept themselves busy during the transfer window, with several good signings. Maybe most interesting is the Ivorian Davy Claude Angan from FC Lyn. They are also close to signing Kristian Örn Sigurdson from Brann. Update: Sigurdson has now signed with the newly promoted club!

The best signing in Norway so far might be Patrik Ingelsten's transfer to Viking. The 27-year-old has signed a four year contract.

Rune Ertsås is ready for the French club Tours. The attacker from Molde was sold for 1 million NOK. Edit: Ertsås has not signed any contract yet and has returned to Norway.

Old promos: All you need is love

2009-12-22T13:29:00.002+01:00

Tore Reginiussen joins Schalke

2009-12-21T21:30:00.002+01:00

Tromso's Tore Reginiussen is now a Schalke player. The eight-times-capped Norway international has signed a contract that will tie him to the Royal Blues until 30 June 2013.

Schalke manager Felix Magath is delighted to have signed another young talent. Reginiussen is a central defender who can also be used in defensive midfield. "Tore is a very talented young player, so it's good that he'll be linking up with us in the winter break as that will allow us to ease him into the Bundesliga gently", said head coach Felix Magath on signing the 23-year-old.

Reginiussen began his footballing career at Alta IF in his home country of Norway. At the beginning of 2006 he then switched to Tromso IL, where he made 54 first division appearances (4 goals). The 1.85 metre defensive specialist has also played 15 times for the Norway under-21 side and made his senior international debut against Montenegro on 26 March 2008. (www.schalke04.com)

Old promos: Tippeligaen 2008

2009-12-21T20:26:00.001+01:00

Bjarte Flem

2009-12-06T13:08:00.002+01:00

The ultimate goal keeper blooper by Tromsø player Bjarte Flem in 1988 against Sogndal.

2009-12-06T12:48:00.004+01:00

Even Hovland has been invited to England next week to try out for Manchester United. Alex Ferguson is interested in buying the 20-year-old from Sogndal.

Rosenborg's Per Ciljan Skjelbred was attacked Thursday night, a man hit him in the face outside of a nightclub in Trondheim.

Next year's fixtures are ready. Check them out here.

Old promos

2009-12-04T13:37:00.004+01:00

While we wait for the new season we are going to bring you old promo's and other videos from Tippeligaen.

This is TV2Sporten's promo for Tippeligaen 2008

Who is going to coach Rosenborg?

2009-12-04T13:19:00.005+01:00

As Rosenborg's coach Erik Hamren has signed for Sweden the club is trying to find someone to replace him.Jan Jönson and Trond Sollied seems to be the main candidates, but today Adressavisen claims that the legend Nils Arne Eggen is in negotiations with the club, something both the players and the fans think is a great idea.

Eggen is best known as the manager of Rosenborg in the period 1988–97 and 1999–2002 and winning the league 11 times during these years.

A local fan exclaimes: "Eggen back in Rosenborg? YEEEES! :D CL, UEFA, YOU NAME IT! The club is going to become it's own country and win the World Cup as well!

Update

2009-12-01T17:20:00.004+01:00

The players of Tippeligaen have started their Christmas holidays, but things are still happening in Norwegian football.

FC Lyn Oslo is now declared bankrupt, the hearing will find place on the 10th of December. If they haven't raised several millons by then the club will disappear from the league system.

Viking has hired Åge Hareide as their new manager. The former Manchester City player resigned from his position as Norway's national team coach in December 2008, after not winning a single match in 2008.

Tom Nordlie will continue as Fredrikstad manager even though the players have complained about his leading style, which according to Pål André Czwartek makes the players scared. "He yells at people in the open."

[Wikipedia on Nordlie:]
Nordlie is one of the most recognized coaches in Norway. His football philosophy is to be "insane but in control" and to "give a 100%, but also focus on one's tasks". Nordlie was never a great football player, however he has achieved several milestones as a manager. He explains this as follows "It is not necessary to have been a horse in order to be a good jockey".

Nordlie has experienced both ups and downs in his career. In 1998, he led Odd Grenland to promotion to the Norwegian Premier League, and to a respectable seventh place the next season. In 2000, he took over big club Vålerenga, but was fired after a disastrous season, that led to Vålerenga's relegation from the Norwegian Premier League. After working as a football expert in TV 2 for a while, Nordlie was hired as coach of Sandefjord. He led the club to the play-off in both 2002 and 2003, but lost both times. In 2004 he took over the struggling Start, and in his first season in charge, Start won the First Division and were promoted. In their return to Tippeligaen, Start had a great spring season, and took home the silver medal, only beaten by one goal by Vålerenga. Nordlie won the Kniksen award as coach of the year.

Stabæk has bought Veigar Pall Gunnarson back from the French club Nancy. Gunnarson left the club one year ago, after having been one of the most important players in the season that ended with first place in the league for the club from Bærum.

[Wikipedia.org:]
Gunnarsson was leading the attack with Nannskog, a partnership which was the most feared duo in the league, according to statistics (goals and assist). In the 2006 season, Nannskog became top scorer in the Norwegian Premier League with 19 goals, with Gunnarsson finishing one goal behind.

In 2007, Stabæk finished second, just behind winners Brann. Gunnarson played well, and was the seasons assist leader with 17, and fourth on the scoring chart with 15.[1]

The following season he made another big contribution to the club, helping them winning the league. Again he was the seasons assist leader with 14, in addition to 10 goals.

This signing means that neither Fredrik Berglund nor Daigo Kobayashi will have their contracts renewed.

NFF has revealed that the 2010 season will start on the 14th of March, and last to the end of November, something that will make it the longest season in history, which means that we once again will watch matches like these two:

Fair Play Competition

2009-11-19T19:33:00.005+01:00

Odd Grenland will get a chance to qualify for the Europa League through the UEFA Fair Play Competition. Rosenborg won the domestic competition, but as they are already qualified for the Champeons League, Odd Grenland will be given the chance.

Many will find this surprising, as Odd has been in the headlines this season after a couple of interesting situations:

However, the reason why Odd still scores high is beacause both of these incidents happened in the cup and not in the league, and do therefore not affect the fair play score.

Here is the complete list:
1. Rosenborg (8,12)
2. Odd Grenland (7,97)
3. Molde (7,96)
4. Stabæk (7,93)
4. Vålerenga (7,93)
6. Tromsø (7,92)
7. Strømsgodset (7,84)
8. Bodø/Glimt (7,82)
9. Brann (7,79)
10. Fredrikstad (7,77)
11. Start (7,73)
12. Aalesund (7,72)
13. Lillestrøm (7, 70)
14. Sandefjord (7,63)
15. Viking (7,59)
16. Lyn (7,53)

The five best goals of Adeccoligaen 2009

2009-11-19T19:29:00.003+01:00

Best Bosman Team

2009-11-16T19:05:00.002+01:00

(tv2sporten.no)
As a result of the financial troubles the Norwegian clubs are struggling with several well paid players has been given the opportunity to leave their clubs as bosman players.

A total of 54(!) players are without contracts from 2010, and can therefore sign with any club for free.

TV2 has put together this dream team of bosman players:

Formation: 4-3-3

Keeper:
Espen Johnsen (Rosenborg)

29 years, with 18 appearances for the national team.

Defence:
Jarl André Storbæk (Vålerenga)

31 years, with 17 appearances for the national team.

Kristján Örn Sigurðsson (Brann)

29 years, with 29 appearances for Iceland.

Tore Reginiussen (Tromsø)

23 years, former captain of the U21-team, 4 appearances for Norway. Both Fulham and Rosenborg have been interested in signing the defender.

Thomas Rogne (Stabæk)

19 years old.

Midfield:
Espen Søgård (Lillestrøm)

30 years old.

Abgar Barsom (Fredrikstad)

32 years old. Captain of Fredrikstad in the 2009 season.

Kasey Wehrman (Lyn)

33 years old, former captain of Fredrikstad, has 15 appearances for Australia.

Attack:
Stian Ohr (Strømsgodset)

31 years old.

Peter Ijeh (Viking)

32years old, has 5 appearances for Nigeria.

Kim Holmen (Lyn)

The 27year old is among the fastest players in Tippeligaen.

17 clubs in danger of losing their licence.

2009-11-16T17:42:00.003+01:00

(Nettavisen.no)
Monday The Licence Committee revealed during a press conference at Ullevaal Stadium(the arena that FC Lyn once owned and now can't even afford to rent.) that a total of 17 clubs in Tippeligaen (5), Adeccoligaen (10) and Toppserien Women (2) has received conditional license and is in danger of losing this if they are not able to show positive equity by the end of the year.

Lyn, Tromsø, Strømsgodset, Start and Stabæk are some of the clubs that are in danger of losing their license and thus be denied to play football at a top level in 2010.

The new licence settlement, which will help the clubs out of the ditch, requires, like the old system positive equity.

It's previously been estimated that the 16 teams in Tippeligaen in total runs against a deficit of 150 million kroner(£15 million) in 2009.

This is the first time the Norwegian Football Association uses the new rules for club licenses for Tippeligaen, Adeccoligaen and Toppserien Women. The clubs will keep the licenses that are now handed out, until the licence committee pulls it back or to the club is relegated from Adeccoligaen or Toppserien Women.

The central change in the licensing system is that the clubs now are divided into three categories based on their economic. Category 1 is the worst.

In Tippeligaen Strømsgodset, Start, Stabæk and Tromsø are all placed in category 1, and must now draw up an action plan that the Licence Committee must accept.

Clubs that do not follow their action plan risk facing sanctions. The teams can be punished with a warning, fees of up to 250,000kr per license criteria violation or an eight points deduction per violation. The License Committee will also be able to impose restrictions on the clubs player purchases and contract signings.

These are the 17 clubs that have to document positive equity before the 31st of December 2009 in order to be given a licence:

Tromsø
Strømsgodset
Start
Stabæk (Men and women)
Lyn
Stavanger
Løv-Ham
Sarpsborg
Moss
Kongsvinger
Ham-Kam
Notodden
Hønefoss
Skeid
Haugesund
Amazon Grimstad (Women)
Trondheims Ørn (Women)

Norway win the friendly match against Switzerland

2009-11-14T21:23:00.003+01:00

Switzerland - Norway 0-1
Norway played great in defence, and scored on the only chance they created. Morten In the 47th minute Gamst Pedersen was fouled by Philipp Degen inside the box. John Carew scored on the following penalty.

Norway (4-5-1):
Jon Knudsen
Tom Høgli, Jon Inge Høiland, Brede Hangeland, John Arne Riise
Erik Huseklepp, Per Ciljan Skjelbred, Henning Hauger, Kristoffer Hæstad, Morten Gamst Pedersen
John Carew

Subs:
Morten Moldskred for Huseklepp, 40th
Rune Almenning Jarstein for Knudsen, 46th
Alexander Tettey for Hæstad 65th
Daniel Braaten for Cartew 78th
Jan Gunnar Solli for Hauger, 87th
Espen Ruud for Skjelbred, 90th

Coach Egil Drillo Olsen has been ill for a couple of days, but was back on the bench today, and led Norway to their sixth victory in 2009, which is a considerable improvement after the former coach not winning a single match last year.

Fifa Football Mundial presents Rosenborg.

2009-11-14T12:13:00.004+01:00

Fifa Football Mundial has made this presentation of Rosenborg, "the giant of Norwegian Football."

Kongsvinger promoted

2009-11-13T22:29:00.004+01:00

Kongsvinger - Sarpsborg: 3-1 (5-4 on aggregate)

Kongsvinger will play in Tippeligaen next year after their win over Sarpsborg yesterday.

The other promoted teams are Haugesund and Hønefoss.

Raymond Kvisvik signs for Kvik Halden in Norwegian 4th division(!).

Raymond Kvisvik (born 8 November 1974) is a Norwegian football player. With background from teams in hometown Sarpsborg, he currently plays for Fredrikstad just a few kilometers from his hometown, as a midfielder. He moved there due to family reasons, from Brann, where he was the star of the team. He has also played in Austria for Austria Wien. Kvisvik is notorious for his precise shots, assists and long balls with his left foot. He has 7 caps for the Norwegian national team.[wikipedia.org]

After Fredrikstad's relegation from Tippeligaen Kvisvik has now decided that he wants to help in Kvik Haldens attempt for promotion. He'll have a yearly income of 700,000NOK (aprox: £100,000), the best paid 4th division player by far.

Team of the year in Eliteserien

2009-11-08T20:37:00.003+01:00

Jon Knudsen - Stabæk

Not the most spectacular keeper, but is always focused and makes the right decisions.

Mikael Lustig - Rosenborg

A really attacking rightback. Scored five goals, had several assists.

Kris Stadsgaard - Rosenborg

Vadim Demidov - Rosenborg

(all three of Rosenborg's central backs have been excellent this season, and Alejandro Lago, could also have had a place on this team.)

Knut Olav Rindarøy - Molde

A quick leftback with excellent crosses.

Pontus Farnerud - Stabæk

Great passes, and he always knows what to do with the ball.

Anthony Annan - Rosenborg

Probably Rosenborg's most important player, great defensive abilities, works really hard through the whole match.

Makhtar Thioune - Molde

Player of the year. Great passing, vision and work rate.

Erik Huseklepp - Brann

Who can forget this goal? Has played great on the wing through the whole season, and might be ready for a bigger league now.

Rade Prica - Rosenborg

Top scorer in Tippeligaen.

Mame Biram Diouf - Molde/Manchester United

Bought by the English club this summer, but stayed in Molde on loan. Gets into dangerous positions and many goal scoring opportunities, however he could score even more goals if he just manages to keep his head cold.

We are back

2009-11-08T19:35:00.005+01:00

The season is over, but NFB is finally back to bring you the transfers and pre-season information, but first: Let's take a look back:

Best goal of the season:
Mads Hansen's Maradona Raid in the 2. division match between Mjøndalen and Hønefoss:

12 best Norwegian goals:

Cup winner:

Aalesund came back twice in the final against Molde, even though they played with just 10 men after Fredrik Carlsen was sent off in the 51st minute. The final result was 2-2, and it came to a penalty shoot out, where Aalesund won after Lindegaard saved Jose Mota's penalty.
(Both of Molde's goals were scored by Manchester United player Mame Biram Diouf)
League winner:

Rosenborg won the league at the stadium of their biggest rivals, Molde.
And lost only one game during the whole season. Coach Erik Hamren will coach both Rosenborg and the Swedish National team until Rosenborg has found a new coach for the team. Åge Hareide, Trond Sollied and Stabæk coach Jan Jönson are among the candidates.

Player of the year in the Norwegian league:

Molde's Makthar Thioune. A light version og Xabi Alonso and Deco, has been involved in almost everything Molde has done on the pitch this year.

Norwegian player of the year:

Fulham's Brede Hangeland. One of the best central defenders in the Premier League.

Final score in Eliteserien:

Fredrikstad lost their qualifier against Sarpsborg, and will play in the Adecco league next year, together with Lyn and Bodø/Glimt.

Squad for the WC qualifier against Scotland

2009-07-28T13:56:00.006+02:00

Egil "Drillo" Olsen has presented his squad for the upcoming match against Scotland. Norway has a very tiny chance of qualifying, but only if they win every single of the three last matches.

Goalkeepers:
Rune A. Jarstein (Rosenborg)
Jon Knudsen (Stabæk)

Outfield players:
John Carew (Aston Villa)
Christian Grindheim (Heerenveen)
Brede Hangeland (Fulham)
Bjørn Helge Riise (Fulham)
Thorstein Helstad (Le Mans)
Kjetil Wæhler (AaB)
Daniel Braaten (Toulouse)
Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn)
John Arne Riise (Roma)
Espen Ruud (OB)
Henning Hauger (Stabæk)
Erik Huseklepp (Brann)
Tom Høgli (Tromsø)
Steffen Iversen (Rosenborg)
Tore Reginiussen (Tromsø)
Per Ciljan Skjelbred (Rosenborg)
Fredrik Winsnes (Strømsgodset)
Trond Erik Bertelsen (Viking)
Simen Brenne (Odd Grenland)

Håvard Nordtveit to Nürnberg

2009-07-28T12:21:00.003+02:00

The Norwegian defender Håvard Nordtveit will go on loan to the German team Nürnberg. The 19 year old is under contract with Arsenal, but has played for Lillestrøm the last five months to get more first team experience.

19th round

2009-07-28T12:19:00.001+02:00

Aalesund 1-1 Fredrikstad

26th of July: Results

2009-07-27T10:30:00.003+02:00

Vålerenga 0-3 Odd
Vålerenga's biggest loss at home since 2003.
Viking 5-2 Lyn
Lyn's goal keeper Stramatopoulos played his last match for the Oslo club, next week he will go on loan to Fredrikstad, which means that Stramatopoulos will play against Viking next week as well. Hopefully with a better result, though.
Sandefjord 1-1 Molde
Molde played well, but stumbled, and the dream of winning the league seems far away.
Brann 4-2 Bodø/Glimt
Another good match by Erik Huseklepp, but he claims that he isn't thinking about a possible transfer. Bodø/Glimt was not pleased with the penalty that gave Brann the 1-0 lead. "No-one in yellow understands why it is a penalty, but that's how it is to play at Brann Stadion," was Kåre Ingebrigtsen's comment after the match.

Tromsø 2-1 Strømsgodset
Rushfelt was involved in this comic penalty:

But got his revenge with this great goal:

Rosenborg 2-1 Lillestrøm
Rosenborg was the better team, but needed a penalty to score the winning goal.

All goals from the 19th round so far:

Tonight: Aalesund - Fredrikstad

Start 2-2 Stabæk

2009-07-25T23:13:00.004+02:00

The visitors from Bærum were up by two with just five minutes left to play when Start scored two goals in two minutes, 2-2 was a fair results for both teams as Start had a good first half and Stabæk had a good second half.

Apart from that the terrible back-pass from Petter Bruer Hanssen (and the following save by Kenneth Høie) and Bent Hulsker's horrible new mustache are both worth noticing in the highlights below. Plus the lovely lady celebrating the first Start goal.

Team: Stabæk

2009-07-25T17:17:00.004+02:00

If you don't count their debut season in the top division in 1995, or the year when they were relegated, in 2004, Stabæk has never finished Tippeligaen below 6th place. The last two years they've won silver and gold in the league and they also played in the cup final of 2008, but lost to Vålerenga.

Stabæk is known for playing attacking and attractive football. In 2008 they scored 58 goals in 26 matches.

Alanzinho, 9 goals,
Veigar Páll Gunnarsson, 10 goals,
Johan Andersson, 12 goals
Daniel Nannskog, 16 goals

Before the 2009 season they sold both Alanzinho and Gunnarsson, but borrowed the Japanese midfielder Daigo Kobayashi from Omiya Ardija, a player that has meant a lot for them so far, and has almost managed to fill the gap after the two players.

Telenor Arena, an indoor stadium with a capacity of 15000, was finished before this season, and is now the home ground of Stabæk

Norwegian Teams in Europe: results

2009-07-23T21:12:00.005+02:00

Stabæk 4-0 Tirana. Stabæk had no problems against the Albanians. Daigo Kobayashi had three assists, the central defender Pontus Segerström scored two goals, Fredrik Berglund and Pontus Farnerud scored one each, and Stabæk is now ready to meet the Danish side FC Kopenhagen in the next round.

(http://theballisround.co.uk was present at Telenor Arena, and has written a longer post about the match. Read it here)

Qarabakh 1-0 Rosenborg. A wonderous free kick by Rashed Sadigov made Rosenborg's face their first loss of the season and they are now knocked out of the Europe League.

Tromsø 4-1 Dinamo Minsk. Tromsø had a 1-0 at half time, but no control of the match, Dinamo Minsk had had several chances, however, in the 65th minute Stanislav Prahun was sent of after his second yellow card, and the match exploded, Tromsø scored three more goals, Dinamo Minsk scored one and had another player sent off.
Tromsø will play Slaven Belupo from Croatia next Thursday

Bjørn Helge Riise almost ready for Fulham

2009-07-20T21:09:00.003+02:00

The younger brother of Roma player John Arne Riise, will, according to db.no, sign for Fulham on Wednesday.

Lillestøm and Fulham have come to an agreement, and only the medical test is left.

The 26 year old midfielder will join international team-mates Brede Hangeland and Erik Nevland.

Manchester United signs Mame Biram Diouf

2009-07-17T10:42:00.001+02:00

A dozen of clubs have been interested in Molde's star striker, specially after this performance last week, and today Molde announces on their web page that they have agreed with Manchester United. The Senegalese will stay on loan in Molde until January.

Alex Ferguson gave this cryptic message from Kuala Lumpur: “We signed a young player yesterday from Norway, who we’ve been looking at for two years,”

This transfer reminds us about another Molde-Man Unt transfer, 13 years ago:

Ole Gunnar Solskjær was not much older than Diouf, when he signed for the English club.