Slovakia's preparations for the World Cup suffered a blow following a 1-0 home loss to Norway.

Moldskred downs Slovakia

Slovakia's preparations for the World Cup suffered a blow following a 1-0 home loss to Norway. The Norwegians have not qualified for the finals in South Africa, but they won in Zilina with Morten Moldskred grabbing the only goal. Slovakia were poor in the first half and produced very little against a well-organised Norway. Despite an improvement in the second half, it was the visitors who claimed the winning goal just after the hour. New Rosenborg signing Moldskred pounced as the home side failed to clear. Slovakia pressed late on with Jon Knudsen producing a number of excellent stops, but they could not find a way through. Slovakia next face Cameroon in May and Costa Rica in June before they compete in their first World Cup finals since becoming an independent nation 17 years ago. The Slovaks have been drawn in Group F alongside Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand.