Norway secure narrow win in Azerbaijan

Norway scraped past Azerbaijan in Sunday evening's Euro 2016 Group H qualifier at the Bakcell Arena, Havard Nordtveit's header securing a 1-0 win for Per-Mathias Hogmo's charges.

The hosts were the better side in the opening stages, with Vagif Javadov forcing a block by a defender after nine minutes.

As the game went on, Norway grew into the game and troubled the Azeri defence through Havard Nielsen and Tom Hogli, both firing efforts that came close.

Soon enough, the visitors broke the deadlock, with Nordtveit smashing a header into the top corner in the 25th minute following a Stefan Johansen cross.

Following the goal, Norway kept applying pressure to their opponents, as Nielsen and Tarik Elyounoussi pushed forward and threatened goalkeeper Salakhat Agaev.

Azerbaijan countered through Araz Abdullayev, whose shot was saved by Orjan Nyland in the 34th minute, but the visitors would end the first half in the lead.

Three minutes after the restart, Ruslan Abishov fired wide for the hosts, while moments later, Alexander Tettey blasted an effort from outside the box, with Agaev equal to it.

Norway had a lively spell just before the hour, with Elyounoussi and Nielsen coming close to notching up a second goal, but in the 60th minute, Rauf Aliyev fired just wide of the post.

The game found itself becoming increasingly scrappy as the second half went on, with chances at a premium and rash fouls breaking up play.

Aside from Johansen shooting just wide with seven minutes to go, little of note happened in the latter stages of the game, and Norway were able to secure all three points.