Norway secure 3-1 victory over Sweden as Jorgen Strand Larsen shines
Our economic fundamentals are strong across all aspects, government spending, public spending, controlled inflation, investment is good.
Our economic fundamentals are strong across all aspects, government spending, public spending, controlled inflation, investment is good.
Norway’s national team demonstrated readiness ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals. In a tense Scandinavian derby friendly on Tuesday, 2 June early morning, the squad under Staale Solbakken secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Sweden.
Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was the standout player, scoring twice. The win provides crucial momentum for the Lions ahead of the major tournament in North America in mid-June.
Norway started strongly from the first whistle. After nine minutes, Jorgen Strand Larsen opened the scoring for the hosts. Capitalising on an accurate pass from Julian Ryerson, Larsen unleashed a shot that Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom failed to save.
Norway quickly doubled their lead in the 18th minute, with young talent Antonio Nusa finding the net. A clever run by Sander Berge provided the perfect pass, and Nusa calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Sweden’s woes continued in the 37th minute as Julian Ryerson delivered his second assist for Jorgen Strand Larsen, taking the half-time lead to 3-0.
In the second half, Sweden’s coach Graham Potter attempted tactical changes, but Norway almost added another goal in the 61st minute through David Moller Wolfe, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR.
Sweden finally pulled one back in the 76th minute through Alexander Isak, who came on as a substitute for Gustaf Nilsson in the 62nd minute and showcased his sharpness in front of goal.
Drama struck again in the 80th minute when Sebastian Nanasi appeared to score, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
The result serves as important preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Norway, in Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France, will begin their campaign against Iraq on 17 June. Sweden, under Graham Potter in Group F with Tunisia, Netherlands, and Japan, face Tunisia on 15 June.