Norway 1-1 Netherlands: Louis van Gaal frustrated in first game back
Norway 1-1 Netherlands: Louis van Gaal frustrated in his first game back with the Oranje as Davy Klaassen earns a point in World Cup qualifier after Dortmund star Erling Haaland had fired hosts in front
- The Netherland were frustrated by Norway as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate
- Erling Haaland broke the deadlock to put the Norwegians ahead in the first half
- Holland’s Davy Klaasen replied 17 minutes later to make it even stevens
- It was not the start new boss Louis van Gaal was hoping for in his first game back
The Netherlands were forced to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Norway in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo on Wednesday, an inauspicious start for new coach Louis van Gaal.
Erling Haaland put the Norwegians ahead after 20 minutes but Davy Klaassen equalised 17 minutes later to earn the Dutch a share of the spoils in an untidy Group G clash at the Ullevaal Stadium.
The result left the Netherlands, who have seven points from four matches, behind Turkey in the standings.
Louis van Gaal was unable to find a win on his return to Holland as they drew to Norway
Star forward Erling Haaland was at it again as he fired the hosts ahead early in the first half
The Borussia Dortmund celebrates with the crowd as he continued his sparkling form
Unbeaten Turkey, held to a 2-2 draw by Montenegro on Wednesday, moved on to eight points while Norway are on seven but behind the Netherlands on goal difference.
Haaland netted his eighth goal in 14 internationals with typically enterprising ability, bringing down an errant clearance with his back to goal and turning to steer the ball home in the 20th minute, despite a despairing tackle from Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch equalised when Georginio Wijnaldumâs cross from the right wing was steered home by Klaassen after Norwayâs defence had failed to clear.
But midfielder Davy Klaasen quickly replied as he scored the equaliser just 17 minutes later
Klaassen had a similar chance on the stroke of half-time and Van Dijkâs header straight afterwards was saved on the line by Norway goalkeeper Andre Hansen.
The Dutch held the upper hand after the break but a Norwegian counter-attack on the hour mark saw captain Martin Odegaard feed Haaland on his left foot and the 21-year-old striker hit the woodwork with a clever effort that sought to catch out Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who was making his debut, at the near post.
The Dutch might have won it with the last kick of the match but Denzil Dumfries did not get enough power on to his effort and Hansen was able to keep the ball out.
The Netherlands were hoping for a positive start under the 70-year-old Van Gaal, who has taken on the national team job for a third time but had just two days to work with his side before Wednesday’s qualifier.
Daley Blind fires in a cross as the Netherlands look to nudge in front against Norway
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk embraces Haaland as both sides share the spoils
He replaces Frank de Boer after a disappointing European Championship where they went out in the last 16 to the Czech Republic.
‘It was a very disappointing result in a frustrating match,’ said Memphis Depay on Dutch television.
‘We didn’t apply enough pressure and lacked creativity.’
The Netherlands are next at home to Montenegro in Eindhoven on Saturday while Norway travel to meet Latvia the same day.
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