Norway: Nemesis to the United States (11-10-1 advantage), a possible foe in the
finals, defending 1995 champion is rebuilding but still has a strong veteran corps. Hege Risse,
29, has few peers in the midfield, joined by young players Monica Knudsen and Unni Lehn.
Marianne Pettersen, Ragnhild Gulbrandsen and Ann Kristin Aarones comprise a strong forward
line, backed up by 17-year-old sensation Dagny Mellgren. Linda Medalin, third all-time in World
Cup scoring, has been moved to defense, which was hurt this spring when star Gro Espeseth tore
a knee ligament. Brit Sandaune and Anne Nymark Andersen are solid defenders in front of
goalkeeper Bente Nordby, recovering from a knee injury. Chances: Solid for semifinals,
perhaps more.
Bente Nordby Brit Sandaune Gøril Kringen Silje Jørgensen
Henriette Viker Hege Riise Tone Gunn Frustøl Monica Knudsen Ann Kristin Aarønes
Linda Medalen Marianne Pettersen Astrid Johannessen Ragnhild Gulbrandsen
Anne Nymark Andersen Dagny Mellgren Solveig Gulbrandsen Anita Rapp
Anne Tønnessen Linda Ørmen Unni Lehn
Norway: Nemesis to the United States (11-10-1 advantage), a possible foe in the
finals, defending 1995 champion is rebuilding but still has a strong veteran corps. Hege Risse,
29, has few peers in the midfield, joined by young players Monica Knudsen and Unni Lehn.
Marianne Pettersen, Ragnhild Gulbrandsen and Ann Kristin Aarones comprise a strong forward
line, backed up by 17-year-old sensation Dagny Mellgren. Linda Medalin, third all-time in World
Cup scoring, has been moved to defense, which was hurt this spring when star Gro Espeseth tore
a knee ligament. Brit Sandaune and Anne Nymark Andersen are solid defenders in front of
goalkeeper Bente Nordby, recovering from a knee injury. Chances: Solid for semifinals,
perhaps more.