Norway too strong for Malta

Thanks to the 2-0 victory, Norway kept the pace with Group H leaders Italy and are now in pole position to clinch second place.
The physically and technically superior Norwegians proved too strong for the valiant Maltese 11 who gave their utmost to avoid a humiliating scoreline and had the lions’ share of possession.  
Norway was constantly on the attack, hardly allowing the Maltese to forage in their opponent’s half. Norway’s superiority saw the Scandinavians have 23 attempts at goal and 17 corners in their favour.
In what was probably the worst performance in this European campaign, Pietro Ghedin’s side was no match to Norway’s strength and technical ability.
However if Ghedin’s men play with the same ineptitude they could be in for a rough ride in Tuesday's final Group H qualifier at home against Croatia.
Ghedin made two changes from the team which drew with Azerbaijan with Zach Muscat and Paul Fenech coming in for Ryan Camilleri and Michael Mifsud. Awaiting a Norwegian onslaught, Malta reverted to five at the back but this did little to stop the hosts from controlling the game from the start.
The hosts almost took the lead inside five minutes at the Ullevaal Stadion when Markus Henriksen brought an early save out of Andrew Hogg.
The hosts then took the lead on the 19th minute when from a corner Norwich City midfielder Alexander Tettey scored from a luck deflection after seeing his initial strike blocked by Maltese defenders.
On 44 minutes, Paul Fenech intercepted a pass by a Norwegian defender and released malta most dangerous player Alfred Effiong who saw his shot turned into a corner by goalkeeper Nyland. Just before half-time, Hogg saved Søderlund’s header following a cross by Elabdellaoui from the right.
Following the break, Norway went close to doubling their lead when on 47 minutes Vegard Forren saw his powerful header hit the post.  
Norway secured the three points when they increased their lead six minutes into the second half. Henriksen's low cross was dropped by Hogg, allowing Alexander Soderlund to capitalise from close range.
A few moments later Real Madrid starlet Martin Ødegaard almost added another from another assist by Henriksen but Hogg managed to turn the ball into a corner.
Already guaranteed at least a playoff spot, the result puts the Norwegians on 19 points, two behind leaders Italy and five ahead of Croatia, who took on Bulgaria later on Saturday. Norway travel to Italy for their final group game on Tuesday, while Croatia play Malta away.

NORWAY Ørjan Nyland, Even Hovland, Alexander Tettey, Stefan Johansen, Alexander Søderlund (76′ Joshua King), Markus Henriksen, Omar Elabdellaoui, Per Ciljan Skjelbred (54′ Martin Ødegaard), Haitam Aleesami, Jo Inge Berget (84′ Valon Berisha), Vegard Forren.

MALTA Andrew Hogg, Alex Muscat (55′ Joseph Zerafa), Andrei Agius, Paul Fenech, Clayton Failla, Roderick Briffa, Rowen Muscat, Andre Schembri (80′ Bjorn Kristensen), Steve Borg (83′ Ryan Camilleri), Alfred Effiong, Zach Muscat.

Referee: Arnold Hunter (NIR)
Assistant Referees: Richard Storey (NIR), Gareth Eakin (NIR)
Additional Assistant Referee: Raymond Crangle (NIR), Mervyn Smyth (NIR)
Fourth official: Stephen Bell (NIR)