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Norway had a proud football history before the World War II, playing in the 1934 World Cup and the 1936 Olympics, winning the bronze medal. Norway had early on good tradition in football and had build on the natural talent of people in this country, having the physique, technical ability and also easily adapting to the play, being obsessed with sports both summer and winter. Norway have proud traditons in summer events such as rowing, canooting, sailing and shooting. Winter sports are traditional and Norway are seen as the best nation in the World.
The football tradition and interest is close to fanatism. The domestic league is very popular and teams are represented from all over the country. The professional game of football came late to this nation, having a proud tradition of amateur sports. This was also the case for football, but players were paid anyway, sorting out different types of jobs and being able to train as much as needed, but far from doing it properly and being able to compete with proffesional clubs abroad. Facilities and traditions of turning to winter sports when snow was falling, made a huge impact in those early days, but in some way this was not the case when being able to compete with the very best in the 1930’s.
After the World War II, a number of players moved abroad to play, but it was very risky. If you signed a one year deal with a professional club, you would be stuck, since a ban would appear, and a quarantee to get back your amateur license. A number of Norwegian players never moved as they were affraid of the consequences.
When you decide to make assumptions about development in football, you should never miss the history and why the World Cup participation at the time became just a far away thought, not being able to compete.
The countries behind the iron curtain, had similar solutions, being able to compete as their players were mainly playing at home, but of course those nation had much more people and military jobs became their escape to be able to train as much as it would take to qualify for tournaments.
Sovjetunion was one of the best teams in the 60’s, having a grand group of players to chose from and players from Ukraine were highly represented in the National team. The coach of Sovjetunion was often also from Ukraine.
Denmark and Norway were countries who instead decided to stay amateur and not allowing their professional players to participate. This stupid rool came to close in Norway in 1969. This made it impossible to field their best national team for every euro and world cup qualification during the 50’s and 60’s, which was maybe the most evalutional time in football history.
Norway developed a number of great players in this era and time. Per Bredesen and Ragnar Larsen both played for Lazio, Bredesen later at Milan. Another player to move abroad was Roald “Kniksen” Jensen, playing for Scottish club Hearts, and in that period being absent from playing for Norway.
There were other players who could have moved abroad, but if they had failed, they would have been abondant and not able to return as the rules and regulations would not automatically give you the amateur status back. Some then did not travel out, missing the chance of playing professional football. Finn Seeman is another name to not forget, being a professinal in Scotland with Dundee United and later in Holland.
Other players who took the chance were Arne Kotte, Finn Gundersen and Knut Andersen. This made it impossible to compete with the best nations in the world and possibly the reason why Norway did not manage to qualify for these major tournaments in that time and era.
George Armstrong #Arsenal 1973
@touchofpowder @AFSCLondon @ccooperuk @GeoffArsenal @gooner_dee @garythegooner56 #afc pic.twitter.com/hWRuTemaFE
— Football Nostalgia (@MemorabiliaMal) May 21, 2016
There were a number of different ways to keep the game going and clubs had creative solutions to keep up with other nations, but it was difficult to compete with the best nations during the late 60’s and early 70’s, especially in European football.
Leeds still have their best result ever in a game against a Norwegian team in Europe. The 10-0 win vs. Lyn Oslo, still stands, from a European Cup game in 1969. This shows the gap between quality between the best and Norwegian teams.
Liverpool set their record also against a Norwegian team, winning 11-0 vs. Stromsgodset in a European Cup winners Cup game, back in 1974. Showing another major gap between the amateurs in Norway and professional teams abroad.
Norwegian football were heavily influenced by English players and managers coming over to play and coach. Arsenal winger George Armstrong, Liverpool defender Chris Lawler and Spurs forward Martin Chivers are three stars who joined clubs in Norwegian football. Another was Man Utd European Cup winner Bill Foulkes.
Norwegian football was more or less amateur based all into the early parts of the century, turning towards proffesionalism during and through the 90’s. Rosenborg were the dominant team at the time, also breaking into European football and becoming a regular in the Champions League competition.
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