The Norway national football team halted their losing streak with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifier at Ullevaal Stadium on Saturday. Alexander Søderlund scored the equalizer on a penalty kick just after halftime. It could and should have been a Norwegian victory after several good chances in the second half. Rune Almenning Jarstein made two fine saves around the midpoint. The Czechs could not capitalize on several defensive Norwegian mistakes shortly after. A cross from the right went over the Norwegian defense and landed on the far post. There, Jonas Svensson chose to watch the ball instead of marking Theodor Gebre Selassie. It proved costly and resulted in a 0-1 deficit after 36 minutes. Norway produced very little before halftime. Søderlund had the best chance, but once again a Norwegian finish was unsuccessful. Tarik Elyounoussi dribbled and drove forward, earning a foul inside the 16-meter area. Shortly after, he came through completely unmarked, but his shot went straight at the goalkeeper. It was a great opportunity that will be hard to find again. Norway was lively throughout the second half and controlled most of the game. – This is definitely a step forward from the previous game, said national team manager Lars Lagerbäck to TV Norway after the game. He regretted the missed opportunity when Tarik Elyounoussi and Alexander Søderlund came through alone with the goalkeeper in the second half. Norway now has six losses and one draw in their last eight games over the past year. The only win in this period came at home against San Marino.