Kalvenes backs Norway for draw

WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING GROUP NINE

Scotland v Norway

Venue: Hampden Park Date: Saturday, 11 October Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sport website. Highlights on Sportscene, BBC One Scotland @ 2150 BST

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Kalvenes spent two seasons in Scotland with Dundee United

Former Dundee United defender Christian Kalvenes says his native Norway can revitalise their World Cup campaign with a draw at Hampden.

George Burley's side face Norway in their Group Nine qualifier on Saturday.

"I think Norway will be happy with a draw. They'll sit in and defend and try to counter-attack," Kalvenes said.

"Having watched Scotland in the last two qualification matches, it seems they are good at defending too, so I don't see there being many goals."

With the common consensus being that Bert van Marwijk's Netherlands will top Group Nine, Kalvenes, now with English Championship side Burnley, predicts it will be a straight two-horse race for second place between the Norwegians and the Scots

"I think everyone thinks that Holland is going to win the group and second place is going to be Norway or Scotland," Kalvenes continued.

I think everyone thinks that Holland is going to win the group and second place is going to be Norway or Scotland Christian Kalvenes

"After the first few games, Macedonia has done well and Iceland has taken a point away from home too.

"But I think Norway and Scotland will fight for the second place spot. I can't see who's going to win it though."

The Norwegians were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in their opening Group Nine fixture last month, despite racing into a two-goal lead at home to their Scandinavian rivals.

"We should have won the game against Iceland." Kalvenes reflected.

And the pressure is on manager Age Hareide with his side completing a tough double-header against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

"I've seen the local newspapers back home and they're saying that if Norway don't get good results in the next two games then the manager could be on his way out."

But, in a veiled warning to the Scots, Kalvenes said that his countrymen tend to fare better on foreign soil.

"We seem to struggle at home," he said. "We're actually playing better away from home.

"That could be because we're quite good at defending and counter-attacking more than actually having the ball ourselves and taking the game to the opposition."

And Kalvenes, who spent two seasons at Tannadice, insists Norway will thrive in the hostile environment of a packed Hampden Park.

"When you play in an atmosphere like that, you just want to do your best," he said.

"Of course, if you get put under pressure and make mistakes, it can be a scary place to be."