MARK van Bommel's second-half strike ensured the Netherlands maintained their 100 per cent start to World Cup qualifying at the expense of Norway.
Van Bommel smashed home a volley after 64 minutes in Oslo to make it three wins from three for Oranje and stretch their advantage at the top of Scotland's Group 9. Norway, however, are still waiting for their first win and are now seven points adrift of the leaders.
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Watch highlights of last night's World Cup qualifiers - including Norway v Netherlands - hereNetherlands coach Bert van Marwijk made two changes to the side which saw off Iceland at the weekend. Edwin van der Sar replaced Michel Vorm between the posts, while Demy de Zeeuw replaced the injured Nigel de Jong in midfield.
The hosts also made two changes to their starting XI following last Saturday's goalless draw at Hampden. Morten Gamst Pedersen and Henning Hauger were named in midfield with Fredrik Stromstad and Bjorn Helge Riise dropping to the bench.
It was Norway who saw the first glimpse of goal at Ullevaal when a curling 25-yard free-kick from John Arne Riise had to be tipped around the post by Van der Sar after seven minutes.
Roma midfielder Riise threatened again midway through the first half with a shot from distance which went high and wide.
The Netherlands looked off the pace and their rhythm was further disrupted when Liverpool winger Ryan Babel hobbled off the pitch with 25 minutes on the clock. Ibrahim Afellay came on as his replacement and, within minutes, the visitors had their first chance, although Rafael van der Vaart's free-kick was comfortably dealt with by Norway goalkeeper Jon Knudsen.
Van der Sar was then called upon to make another save from John Carew's towering header, and the Aston Villa striker came close again with a 12-yard strike which also warmed the hands of the visiting goalkeeper.
The Netherlands could have snatched a goal just before half-time, but Afellay flashed a right-footed effort inches past the right post. Carew then had the best opening of the match just after the restart when he fired over the bar from close range with only Van der Sar to beat.
Norway continued to press and Carew turned provider for strike partner Steffen Iversen, whose header was held by the Dutch keeper. Further shots followed from Hauger and Carew but still a goal would not come for Age Hareide's men.
They were almost punished for their profligacy when Dirk Kuyt hit the crossbar after 61 minutes with a dipping 12-yard shot which caught Knudsen off guard. And moments later, Van Marwijk's men were in front. An inswinging corner from Giovanni van Bronckhorst was cleared by Brede Hangeland but only as far as Van Bommel, who replied with a 20-yard volley into the bottom left corner.
The goal was harsh on Norway, but poor finishing had let them down and Carew was guilty of another miss when he headed a corner over the bar.
There were chances at both ends as the clock ticked down with Norway substitute Tarik Elyounossi forcing a save from Van der Sar before Van Bommel drilled a left-footed strike just past the left post. But the Dutch claimed another three points.
Norway: Knudsen, Hoiland, Waehler, Haland, Hangeland, Winsnes, John Arne Riise, Grindheim, Hauger, Pedersen, Carew. Subs: Iversen, Johnsen, Stromstad, Hogli, Bjorn Helge Riise, Haestad, Elyounossi.
Netherlands: Van der Sar, Marcellis, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, Van der Vaart, De Zeeuw, Kuyt, Huntelaar, Babel. Subs: Timmer, De Cler, Engelaar, Van Persie, Afellay, Sneijder, Kromkamp.
The full article contains 609 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
