Norway hold Brazil 1-1 to keep unbeaten record

OSLO, Aug 16 (Reuters) Norway extended their unbeaten record against Brazil to four matches when they held the five times world champions 1-1 on former captain Dunga's debut as coach today.

An inspired Norway side opened the scoring in the 51st minute with Morten Gamst Pedersen's free kick from 25 metres unexpectedly bouncing past a clutch of players and looping into the top far corner of the goal.

Brazil, playing for the first time since their defeat by France in the World Cup quarter-finals, fought back with winger Daniel Carvalho firing a hard, low shot inside the near post from 15 metres after a brilliant passing move in Norway's box.

The Brazilians, fielding an experimental team without Ronaldinho, Kaka or Ronaldo, started slowly and looked vulnerable to counter-attacks until they began to dominate late in the game, repeatedly penetrating Norway's patchy defence.

''This was a good match for us,'' Dunga told reporters.

''Perhaps in the first half we did not play very well but we got better in the second half. We showed determination, used our skills and created chances.'' Brazil had several opportunities to win but were denied by goalkeeper Thomas Myhre, who kept the Scandinavians' impressive record against Brazil at two wins, two draws and no losses.

''We went from doing something great to something awful. Our keeper certainly saved us on a few occasions,'' Norway coach Aage Hareide said.

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, returning from a knee injury which had sidelined him for much of the past three seasons, showed touches of brilliance and nearly scored with a bicycle kick.

REUTERS PDS PM0301