Dutch test for Norway in Women's World Cup qualifiers

Jonathan Roorda - 24 October 2009 00:25

Women's World Cup 2011

Norway and the Netherlands kick off their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign with what may well be the most crucial game in this group. The winner of this game will know that a big obstacle to reach the finals has been removed.

Traditionally one of the world's strongest nations in women's soccer, the Norwegians will know that pressure is mostly on them to perform.

Last month, the Scandinavians reached the semi finals of the European Championships, but then lost 3-1 to Germany. By then however, Norway had already shown to be in decent shape with wins over Iceland and Sweden, and a draw with the French.

The Netherlands have much less history in women's soccer but showed to be a team to be reckoned with as the Dutch surprisingly reached the semi finals at this year's European Championships.

Ukraine and Denmark were beaten in the group phase in Finland, enough to advance to the quarter finals despite a defeat by the hosts. The biggest surprise occurred in the quarters, as France were held to a goalless draw and then eliminated from the tournament on penalties. Only against England in the semi's, the Dutch eventually had to accept a 2-1 defeat after extra time.

Norway and the Netherlands also met in the qualifying series of the 2005 European Championships, with Norway winning both games 2-0. It remains to be seen whether the Netherlands have improved enough to cause the Norwegians more trouble this time around.

The match takes place at Fornebu's Nadderud Stadion with a local kick-off time of 17:00.