Norway on brink of Euro 2016 finals after Malta win

Norway are within reach of a place at the Euro 2016 finals next summer after beating Malta in Oslo.

The hosts almost took the lead inside five minutes at the Ullevaal Stadion when Markus Henriksen brought an early save out of Andrew Hogg.

They finally broke the deadlock on 19 minutes as Norwich City's Alexander Tettey's initial shot was blocked, but the rebound struck the midfielder before ending up in the back of the net.

After Per Ciljan Skjelbred had another effort saved by Hogg, Malta could have got back of level terms before the break when Alfred Effiong's shot was stopped by keeper Orjan Nyland.

However, Norway doubled their advantage within moments of the restart as Henriksen's low cross was dropped by Hogg, allowed Alexander Soderlund to capitalise from close range.

Henriksen almost added a third on 66 minutes, but Norway were able to settle for a two-goal cushion and could have their place confirmed at Euro 2016, if Croatia fail to beat Bulgaria later this evening.