World Cup Qualifier, Group Nine: Norway v Scotland
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo Date: Wed, 12 August Kick-off: 1800 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC Radio Scotland, Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website

Scotland travel to face Norway in arguably the visitors' most important match for almost two years on Wednesday night.

The Scots have won four, drawn three and only lost once to Norway in competitive matches.

However, the Scots won their first three meetings and there has been one win apiece and one draw since the turn of the century.

Neither side has managed to record a home win since their first competitive meeting, a 3-2 win for the Scots in 1978.

Norway must end that trend to give themselves any hope of qualifying from World Cup Group Nine.

Meanwhile, a draw or win for the Scots would put George Burley's side in a strong position to win a place in the play-offs as runners-up behind Netherlands.

For the record, including friendlies, Scotland have won eight, drawn six and lost two against the Norwegians, but five of the last seven meetings have ended in a draw.

2008: Striker Chris Iwelumo misses an open goal at Hampden

Substitute Chris Iwelumo missed an open goal as Scotland blew the chance to put themselves in pole position for second place in their World Cup qualifying group.

Norway also had their chances to score in a tense affair at Hampden.

The aftermath of the game was dominated by Kris Boyd's decision to quit international football after being snubbed in favour of Iwelumo.

2005: Kenny Miller was in top form in this World Cup qualifier, scoring twice

In-form Kenny Miller's opportunistic first-half double kept alive Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals.

Ole Martin Arst's last-minute consolation gave Scotland some worries, but they continued their revival under Walter Smith after the unsuccessful Berti Vogts period.

Despite the away win, Scotland finished the group in third place, behind runners-up Norway.

2004: Steffen Iversen scores Norway's winner from the penalty spot

Steffen Iversen's penalty winner left Scotland with one point from two World Cup qualifying games at Hampden and increased the pressure on Vogts.

James McFadden kept out a goal-bound header with his hand to concede the penalty, earning himself a red card, as Norway claimed their only win against Scotland in 10 games.

1998: Craig Burley gives the Scots in France something to cheer about

A goal from Craig Burley, nephew of current manager George, kept alive Scotland's hopes of reaching the second round of the World Cup in France.

Havard Flo headed Norway ahead late in the first half in Bordeaux after Gordon Durie had a strong penalty claim rejected.

But Burley latched on to David Weir's long ball to lob a deserved leveller.

1989: Ally McCoist's lob sends Scotland on their way to Italia 90

Scotland got the point they needed to qualify for their fifth consecutive World Cup finals in front of 64,000 fans at Hampden.

Ally McCoist lobbed home in the dying seconds of the first half and Scotland survived despite Jim Leighton fumbling Erland Johnsen's long-range effort over the line in the final minute.

1988: Mo Johnston rifles home the winning goal in Oslo

Andy Roxburgh's men began their World Cup qualifying campaign with victory in Oslo.

Paul McStay's 20-yard drive gave them an early lead and Mo Johnston hammered home the winner after Jan Fjortoft had levelled just before the break.

It was to prove a valuable result in the ultimately successful bid to reach Italia 90.

Scotland returned to form in style to keep their European Championship qualifying hopes alive.

Kenny Dalglish, Joe Jordan and John Robertson netted before the break and Gordon McQueen completed the rout.

A flu-hit George Burley played the first half before making way.

1978: Archie Gemmill slots home the Hampden winner

A late comeback handed Jock Stein victory in his first match in charge and helped Scotland's fragile confidence following their World Cup disappointment in Argentina.

Scotland were heading for defeat until Kenny Dalglish grabbed his second goal with eight minutes left, and Archie Gemmill's 85th-minute penalty won it.

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