Round 24: Stabæk Kinda Win The League, Fjordball Kinda Make Headlines

A late winner from random Icelandic bloke Palmi Rafn Palmason ensured that Stabæk are, barring an absolute miracle, Norwegian Champions. A cheeky free-kick from that man Raymond Kvisvik was enough to dispose of Viking, which probably means Fredrikstad are heading for second place as Tromsø were held to an unexpected 4-4 draw by Molde. Relegation-rivals HamKam and Aalesund both won their games so no changes there, while Rosenborg's late charge for a top 3-finish suffered a bit of a blow as they were held by Strømsgodset.

Hilariously, this Friday's weekly wikipedia-edit caught the eye of the Norwegian media, and in fact made the front-page of Adressa's web-edition for a while this morning. Under the headline "Does Storflor actually exist?" the paper tells the tale of this particular piece of mischievous misinformation. Here at fjordball-towers we're all just too happy to help the struggling journalists of this great country come up with new and interesting stories.

Round 24:

Tromsø 4 - 4 Molde

Aalesund 1 - 0 Bodø/Glimt

Fredrikstad 1 - 0 Viking

HamKam 3 - 2 Lyn

Rosenborg 1 - 1 Strømsgodset

Brann 1 - 2 Stabæk

Updated table here.

Good Day

Stabæk

Worthy winners of the 2008 Tippeliga. There really isn't much more left to say about them. They've scored more goals than anyone else, conceded fewer and played better football than any other team. A thoroughly comprehensive and deserved title. The best thing since sliced bread (or indeed Eggen's RBK) says Otto Ulseth, while an ecstatic Esten O. Sæther claims that everybody loves Stabæk. It's not all that far from the truth. Talismanic forward Daniel Nannskog is confident that his team will win their upcoming cup-final against Vålerenga as well, and it would take a brave man to bet against them.

Raymond Kvisvik

The Man is back. Fjordball's favorite overweight winger put in one of the most complete performances of his career as Fredrikstad disposed of Viking with surprising ease. With a cool head and an unfailing eye for a pass, Kvisvik kept FFK's midfield ticking and kept Viking's defense on their toes all game, and to top it all off he scored the match-winner with a cheeky free-kick. 

Espen Johnsen

Had one of those games, and was the only reason why Strømsgodset left Lerkendal with a point. Johnsen is surely the most frustrating keeper in recent history, because when he is on song he is quite remarkably good, but will he ever be able to perform like that consistently? 

Pape Pate Diouf

Before this weekend Tromsø had only conceded four goals on home turf all season, but then Diouf went and scored a hat-trick. Impressive.

Aalesund & HamKam

Both won, but since they are competing mainly with each other that didn't really do much for either team.

Bad Day

Tromsø

One point in the last three games is depressing stuff for a team who risked their economic stability for a shot at the title, and their poor form means they might not even make the top 3. The news this morning that manager Steinar Nielsen will be leaving his post after the season weren't exactly unexpected, but none the less it makes for a depressing end to a fine season for the Northerners. 

Kåre Ingebrigtsen

Calm down man! The Bodø/Glimt-manager had a right pop at referee Tom Henning Øvrebø after his team succumbed to Aalesund. For once the criticism was totally unwarranted, and one suspects that Ingebrigtsen is just frustrated that, like Tromsø, Bodø/Glimt's poor end to the season has ruined their chances of silverware this season. In which case the man should shut up and accept that finishing in the top-end of the table is a remarkable achievement in itself for Bodø/Glimt.

Viking

Losing away against Fredrikstad is nothing to be ashamed of (FFK have the best home-record in the league), but by all accounts Viking didn't really turn up, and there's no excuse for that.

Lyn 

Have picked up a grand total of zero points since their derby-win over Vålerenga. Four defeats in row isn't acceptable, even if you don't have a lot to play for.