Solskjaer brace helps sink Hungary

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BUDAPEST, Norway -- Norway thrashed error-plagued Hungary 4-1 in a Euro 2008 Group C qualifier to start their campaign with an impressive away win on Saturday.

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored a brace, his first international goals since 2003, while right winger Fredrik Stromstad and midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen added the other two.

Hungary defender Laszlo Eger gifted Solskjaer the opening goal after 15 minutes, his poor back pass allowing the striker to round Gabor Kiraly and score.

Stromstad got the second on 32 minutes after defender Zsolt Low lost the ball on the edge of his penalty area.

Pedersen made it 3-0 three minutes before the break from a tight angle and Solskjaer was gifted another goal when Kiraly allowed his shot to go through his legs.

Hungary grabbed a consolation late on from the penalty spot after Sandor Torghelle was fouled.

"This night was perfect for us and a black day for the Hungarians, who gave us unexpected presents with the two assists on the first two goals," said Norway coach Age Hareide.

Hungary coach Peter Bozsik said: "It is probably the worst situation I have I ever been in my career.

"We made huge and deadly mistakes that cost us the game. After 2-0, the game was dead and buried. The players' legs were shaking in the first half because they somehow feared the worst.

"We have to get up from the floor, get our spirit back and prove ourselves in the next game, which is also a very difficult one."

Hungary travel to Bosnia on Wednesday, while Norway entertain Moldova in Oslo.

Holders Greece begin with victory

European champions Greece, with a late goal from substitute Nikos Liberopoulos, made a winning start to their defence by overcoming Moldova 1-0 in Group C.

Greece dominated possession throughout but had barely troubled a committed Moldovan defence until Lyberopoulos headed the winner in the 77th minute.

Greek midfielder Angelo Basinas had earlier missed a penalty in the first half.

The Greeks were looking for a sharp improvement after a 4-0 friendly defeat to England last month but will take little comfort from their performance.

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