Sadly then, this blog officially marks the end of my Norwegian adventure. 5 new grounds, 5 different games, and my first visit to watch football outside of the British Isles. We could theoretically have ended the weekend anywhere in Norway, but the fixture list just happened to fall kindly for us. Having said goodbye to arguably the prettiest ground I've been to, we left Bjørnsletta and headed back towards Majorstuen, ready to visit Norway's national stadium and home to Tippeligaen side Vålerenga, the Ullevaal Stadion.
We'd been told of a great pub just outside of Majorstuen station, and so naturally we had a moral obligation to stop there. It would mean a 30 minute walk over to the ground afterwards, but it was the first reasonably priced place to drink we'd found all weekend, so no amount of walking would deter me from a pint in there. What a decision that turned out to be. I don't think the lad behind the bar spoke either English or Norwegian, but he was welcoming, and had created a place of real beauty. Who doesn't love a football pub?
We'd been told of a great pub just outside of Majorstuen station, and so naturally we had a moral obligation to stop there. It would mean a 30 minute walk over to the ground afterwards, but it was the first reasonably priced place to drink we'd found all weekend, so no amount of walking would deter me from a pint in there. What a decision that turned out to be. I don't think the lad behind the bar spoke either English or Norwegian, but he was welcoming, and had created a place of real beauty. Who doesn't love a football pub?
Having fallen in love with the place, sinking a few pints in the process, we quickly headed off for the national stadium in our weekend's host country, the Ullevaal. Arriving ten minutes before kick-off, still needing to buy tickets, the inevitable panic began.
Firstly; Where the hell is the ticket office?
Secondly; Why the hell are there so many shops in this place?
I'm not exaggerating whatsoever, the Ullevaal Stadion may as well be Castlepoint shopping centre in Bournemouth. The entire lower tier comprises of just shops, fashion, food, you name it, it's there. I'm fairly certain I even saw a Costa Coffee lurking in the corner. Away from its shopping parade facade, it's a very typical ground. An all-seated bowl with not a lot else to it, it wouldn't look out of place in the Football League back home. We walked around the entire thing looking for the ticket office, as they seemingly don't need signs in Norway, and eventually found ourselves with 200Kr tickets bought and safely in our seats with 60 seconds or so before kick-off. Crisis averted. Just.
Firstly; Where the hell is the ticket office?
Secondly; Why the hell are there so many shops in this place?
I'm not exaggerating whatsoever, the Ullevaal Stadion may as well be Castlepoint shopping centre in Bournemouth. The entire lower tier comprises of just shops, fashion, food, you name it, it's there. I'm fairly certain I even saw a Costa Coffee lurking in the corner. Away from its shopping parade facade, it's a very typical ground. An all-seated bowl with not a lot else to it, it wouldn't look out of place in the Football League back home. We walked around the entire thing looking for the ticket office, as they seemingly don't need signs in Norway, and eventually found ourselves with 200Kr tickets bought and safely in our seats with 60 seconds or so before kick-off. Crisis averted. Just.
There's no hiding from the fact the game in front of us wasn't really a classic. The hosts created chances in the first half, but they certainly weren't completely on top. Neither side really looked like winning the game, and so a goalless 45 minutes was probably to be expected. With about half hour gone, my stomach voiced it's disapproval at the football, and so naturally I hunted down some Pølse, with plenty of success. If you're ever at a football game in Norway, they're worth trying. It's like a hot dog in a pancake. I'll even provide photographic evidence for you because I'm feeling generous.
The second half sprang to life, and the hosts Vålerenga actually found themselves ahead within 60 seconds of the restart. A pull-back to the edge of the area picked out Daniel Holm, and the midfielder's side-footed finish was placed to perfection as it soared into the top-corner, leaving Pavel Londak without a hope of getting anywhere near it. Vålerenga hit the post minutes later, but they never found a killer second goal, and were duly punished for their lack of composure in front of goal. The equaliser came on 81 minutes with Alexander Sørloth firing home following some pingball in the home penalty area, before Trond Olsen found himself a yard to lash home a winning goal two minutes into stoppage time, a goal that silenced myself and Andy, as we glanced at one another in shock, before turning to see the 16 travelling Bodø fans losing it at the other end. It was an incredible moment. In fairness to the home ultras, they had been good all night. They sang for the full 90 minutes, and I assume well before the game as well, which made for a half-decent atmosphere in a stadium that was half-empty. When the equaliser went in, I thought they were unhappy, but the goal that consigned them to defeat caused mayhem. All I could hear was the sound of plastic tearing as they ripped seats apart, before one lad must have broken his wrist punching a hole through one of the large advertising boards. It was insane. |
I'm disappointed not to have caught any more of their more 'bouncier' songs if you like, but this gives an impression of their songs during the game. They certainly provided a different atmosphere to the game we had witnessed earlier that afternoon in the 3rd tier of Norwegian football, over at the beautiful Ullern IF.
Leaving the ground, I have to say I was disappointed that my footballing adventure in Norway was coming to a close. Norway is a genuinely stunning country, and is totally recommended to anybody looking to get a relaxing few days away. Failing that, take after us and take full advantage of the staggered kick-offs that the country's footballing calendar has on offer. You can thank me later.
Leaving the ground, I have to say I was disappointed that my footballing adventure in Norway was coming to a close. Norway is a genuinely stunning country, and is totally recommended to anybody looking to get a relaxing few days away. Failing that, take after us and take full advantage of the staggered kick-offs that the country's footballing calendar has on offer. You can thank me later.