Joshua King added to his international goal tally as Norway completed their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Group F rivals Malta in Ta’ Qali.
King opened the scoring in the seventh minute, the striker netting from close range after his initial effort had been blocked by Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello.
It was his 17th goal in 46 games for his country but was cancelled out when Paul Fenech levelled for the hosts five minutes before half-time.
Alexander Sorloth netted to restore Norway’s lead in the 62nd minute before the visitors were awarded a penalty five minutes later.
However, after Sorloth had been fouled by Zach Muscat, Bonello guessed correctly and dived to his left to keep out King’s spot-kick.
King was replaced by Fredrik Ulvestad a minute from time with Norway setting up a play-off with Serbia after Spain and Sweden qualified automatically from the group.
Goalkeeper Mark Travers looked on from the bench as the Republic of Ireland fell agonisingly short of automatic Euro 2020 qualification following a draw with Denmark at the Aviva Stadium.
Matt Doherty’s 85th-minute equaliser cancelled out Martin Braithwaite’s 73rd-minute opener, the point meaning the Republic of Ireland finished third in Group D and will have to hope for success through the play-offs, which take place in March.
They could be drawn against either Bosnia-Herzegovina or Wales or Slovakia.
