Norway snatch second in Oslo

Norway clinched second place in World Cup qualifying Group Nine after a dominant 2-1 victory over Macedonia at the Ullevaal Stadium.

Thorstein Helstad and John Arne Riise scored the goals which saw Egil Olsen's side claim the runners-up spot behind Holland in the standings at the expense of both tonight's visitors and Scotland, who were defeated by the Dutch in their final qualifier.

The result is unlikely to see Norway make it into the play-offs, however, with Olsen's side boasting an indifferent qualifying record that could see them become the odd team out when the records of the nine group-stage runners-up bidding for just eight play-off berths are finalised.

The match was only two minutes old when a loose ball in the area fell at the feet of Helstad, who lashed home to hand Norway the lead.

The hosts maintained the pressure and went further ahead after 25 minutes when Riise netted with his third goal from a free-kick in as many international outings.

Macedonia offered little in the way of an attacking threat until the final 11 minutes, when urgency finally gripped the visiting players and they pulled one back through Boban Grncarov.

Scotland's World Cup hopes were shattered when a late strike from Holland substitute Eljero Elia denied them second place and any hope of a play-off spot for South Africa.

Kenny Miller hit the woodwork and squandered another great opportunity in the first half as George Burley's men gave their all in front of a packed and passionate Hampden.

However, their efforts were in vain as their visitors maintained their 100% record in the campaign, allowing Norway to go second.