Norway's women under their new coach Eli Landsem beat the Netherlands 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier at home on Saturday, bringing Norway closer to a spot in the 2011 WC in Germany.

After a slow start from both sides, Norway ended the first half with two quick goals, the first on a penalty by Trine Roenning, after Daphne Koster handled the ball in her own area.

A minute later Norway's Solveig Gulbrandsen received a pass from Lise Klavenses and headed the goal from short range, making it 2-0 at half-time.

In the second half the Dutch side put on a bit more pressure, but hardly ever made it past the Norwegian defence.

Just three minutes before the end Isabell Herlovsen clinched the game when she converted a perfect pass from Gulbrandsen to 3-0.

Norway next meets Slovakia in Skien, Norway on Wednesday.

Their return match against the Dutch side takes place in June.

(NRK)

Rolleiv Solholm