- Vegard Forren - 57'
Vegard Forren's first international goal helps Norway's qualifying hopes
Norway beat Bulgaria 1-0 in Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Sofia to improve their chances of a top-two finish in Group H.
Veteran defender Vegard Forren scored his first international goal in the 57th minute to hand his country a vital win.
The victory keeps Norway in third place, two points adrift of second-placed Italy and group leaders Croatia with three games remaining.
Per-Mathias H0gmo's team, who had also beaten Bulgaria 2-1 in last year's qualifier, almost went behind in the 21st minute.
However, Ivelin Popov saw his long-range strike saved by Norway goalkeeper Oerjan Nyland.
Before half-time, Jo Inge Berget's powerful header went wide.
Norway went in front before the hour mark when Stefan Johansen's free-kick found Forren on the six-yard box and he struck the ball past Bulgaria goalkeeper Bozhidar Mitrev.
The Scandinavians held on for three points.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Bas Nijhuis
- Bas Nijhuis
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denmark | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | +9 | 22 |
Slovenia | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | +11 | 22 |
Finland | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | +8 | 18 |
Kazakhstan | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | +4 | 18 |
Northern Ireland | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -4 | 9 |
San Marino | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | -28 | 0 |