Norway wins a key match against Montenegro thanks to a double from Elyounoussi.
With two games remaining, the Norwegians are in second position with 17 points, two points behind champions Netherlands, who defeated Gibraltar 6-0, and two points clear of third-placed Turkey.
Norway beat Montenegro 2-0 in a Group G World Cup qualifier on Monday, with Mohamed Elyounoussi scoring twice and a spectacular defensive effort keeping the home side’s hopes of reaching the finals alive for the first time since 1998.
With two games remaining, the Norwegians are in second position with 17 points, two points behind champions Netherlands, who defeated Gibraltar 6-0, and two points clear of third-placed Turkey.
In the 29th minute, Norway took the lead when Holmgren Pedersen’s cross was headed back across goal by Stefan Strandberg to Mohamed Elyounoussi, who stooped to head the ball into the net.
Six minutes after the break, Elyounoussi had a chance to add a second, but goalkeeper Matija Sarkic’s touch diverted Birger Meling’s low cross just enough to prevent the forward from getting a touch on the ball and steering it home from close range.
Norway took a chance by playing with a high backline, and they were almost punished when Stevan Jovetic found Adam Marusic in behind with a magnificent ball, but the striker’s first touch was too heavy, and the ball went wide as Norway had to resist huge pressure for the rest of the game.
In second-half stoppage time, Montenegro’s Marko Vesovic was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession, but Elyounoussi produced a stunning curling drive to keep Norway in contention for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
