Argentina go down to Norway

Argentina has suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Norway, in their friendly match in Oslo on Wednesday night.

Argentina has suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against Norway, in their friendly match in Oslo on Wednesday night.

Norway-s lanky striker John Carew's fired a double for the home side the first from the penalty spot and then a deft header against the run of play in the second half.

Argentina scored a late consolation goal from Maximiliano Rodriguez, who returned to the side after injury forced him to miss the Copa America.

Carew caused the Argentinean defence trouble all night, as did Liverpool winger John Arne Riise, who was heavily involved in both goals.

A foul on Riise inside the penalty box, saw Carew convert his 12th minute spot kick and after having another goal bound shot blocked, he added a second in the 58th minute, with a header from Riise-s free kick.

Argentina coach Alfio Basile played down the result, saying this was all about preparing for next years World Cup qualifiers.

'We are on our way to build a team before the World Cup qualifiers and we weren't going specifically for results. That's not important right now,' Basile said.

However after two straights defeats, Basile will be keen to get back on the winner-s circle in their next match against Australia at the MCG on September 11.