Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia Post-game

Well that’s all folks. Slovenia held on to the lead, after two close calls with corners in the 4 minutes of extra time. So, the underdogs win this one, which puts them in 3rd place with a record of 1-1, and this drops a very disappointed Norway team into 4th with two losses to arguably worse teams.

Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia update

Now, this is one great second half. After Radosavljevic lost the ball to a strong tackle he kept working to get the ball back and thread the needle with a pristine pass to Kirm who finished with a monster of a shot that just rocketed past the goalie to put Slovenia up 2-1 with just minutes to play.

Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia update

After the Norway manager used up his three subs on strikers and forwards, in the 70th minute, it finally paid off in the 80th minute with a wondrous cross, followed by a beautiful header from right striker E. Huseklepp to even the score.

Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia update

In the 54th minute, right midfielder A. Kirm of Slovenia came through with the first goal of the game with an amazing show of speed, and a shot worthy of Beckham that wrapped around the goalie to kiss the inside of the far post. It looks like from the faces of the Norway players that they aren’t done yet and they won’t give up easily.

Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia half time

Well, it was a pretty boring game up to the halfway point, with a few chances here and there. but overall the ball was in the middle of the pitch for upwards of 70% of that half. Let’s hope the second half brings us more excitement.

Day 2, Group Stage, Norway-Slovenia Pre-game

It is day two in the group stage and two 0-1 teams are squaring off, Norway who had an upset loss to the U.S. one to nil and Slovenia who had a loss to England. It would appear that Norway, led by their left striker, John Carew, should have the upper hand in this game due to their strong defense led by Brede Hangeland, and their well balanced attack led by both Carew and the up and coming Erik Huseklepp, who plays RS. Norway uses the 4-4-2 formation which gives them ability to use their speed and passing well in their build-up play. They main defensive style is to use the offside trap to prevent breakaways. But on the other side you have a strong Slovenia team, led by LS Milivoje Novakovic, who is looking for an upset. Their offense also benefits from their use of the 4-4-2 formation, but they use the cover style of defense which they hope will in their coach’s words “neutralize the duo of Hangeland and Huseklepp.”