Norway concede goal to San Marino but pull away to win late

Norway got their World Cup qualifying campaign up and running with a 4-1 home win over San Marino.

Per-Mathias Hogmo's side went into the match against the Group C minnows on the back of defeats to Germany and Azerbaijan but they took an early lead through Davide Simoncini's 11th-minute own goal.

However, the comfortable evening that was expected to follow did not materialise and San Marino equalised nine minutes after half-time through Mattia Stefanelli -- their first away goal in a World Cup qualifier since 2001.

The hosts began to get nervous as the clock ticked on and it was a relief when Adama Diomande restored Norway's lead with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area in the 77th minute.

That was the cue for the floodgates to open somewhat and four minutes later Martin Samuelsen's powerful 12-yard effort gave Hogmo's team a cushion.

Bournemouth forward Josh King completed the scoring and made it a more respectable score line in Norway's favour with a 83rd-minute finish.