Berg wary of Spanish threat

Berg: fit to face his Spanish exam

Henning Berg expects a test of the highest order against Spain in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

Berg, who has won his fitness battle after problems with a hamstring injury, knows from Man United's Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid just how dangerous Spanish teams can be.

"Spain will be even more determined to do well this time," said Berg, referring to their poor record in major tournaments since winning the European Championships in 1964.

We hope we can go through, but we know that's going to be very difficult.

Henning Berg

"Since the new manager took over they have had some great results.

"They are one of the favourites and everybody knows it will be very hard for us, but if we play up to our standards we can get through.

"In international football most teams are at a high level. There's not much difference.

But Berg refused to write off the other two teams in group C.

"If Spain don't play well against us and Yugoslavia play up to their standards, that match could be harder," he said.

"We're prepared for three hard games. We hope we can go through, but we know that's going to be very difficult.

Berg knows all three group games will be tough

"We know Slovenia are a very good side because we played them twice in the qualifiers and they beat Ukraine to get here. Not many teams beat Ukraine."

Norway's coach Nils Johan Semb has all 22 players fit for the game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in the Norway camp after the birth of his son Noah and Steffen Iversen feels in good touch after a groin injury hindered his preparations.

Test

The Tottenham striker believes Norway can make the early test against Spain work in their favour.

Iversen said: "It's the most difficult game we can start with against the favourites in our group, but that can be a positive thing for us.

"The first game is always quite nervous against any team. So it is quite a good thing for us to go in as underdogs with no pressure at all.

"We can go out and play attacking football and maybe surprise Spain.

"The main thing is to hit a run of form. In the group you can have a little up and down and still go through in second place, but when it comes to the quarter-final you have to have a good run to win the European Championships."

Spain look likely to be without full-back Michel Salgado who picked up an ankle injury in training. Celta Vigo's Juan Velasco could replace the Real Madrid defender.