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Norway made the biggest impression during the latest round of World Cup qualifiers for next year’s big event in South Africa, giving the struggling team fresh hopes of making it to the finals. Sweden also got a welcome confidence boost at the expense of Finland, while group leaders Denmark played and won a friendly against Chile.

Norway had it all to do against Scotland, whom they trounced 4-0 in a home match attended by 24,000 spectators. The Norwegians desperately needed to take all three points to keep their dreams alive, as they are battling for the third and final spot in the group.

John Arne Riise and Erik Huseklepp each scored for Norway, while Morten Gamst Pedersen put two past the Scottish keeper. When Scotland’s Gary Caldwell was sent off with a red card in the 34th minute, it gave the Norwegians a big advantage that they did not squander.

Sweden was also in action in a friendly match against Finland. They won the game 1-0 in Stockholm, which will boost their confidence ahead of their upcoming qualifying match against Hungary on 5 September. Sweden lay adrift in 4th place in their group behind the Danes, Norway and Portugal. If they can’t get all three points from their next game, their World Cup dreams will be dashed.

However, if Sweden can get a win all of their remaining group one qualifying matches, they will get a playoff game. Norway’s defeat of Scotland has assured this possibility in group nine.{#}