Mohamed Abdellaoui's late penalty against Iceland on Friday night has changed the complexion of tomorrow's crucial UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier between Denmark and Norway in Group H.

Norway needed an 88th-minute spot-kick to see off Iceland, a result that saw them keep pace with Portugal at the top of the standings. Now Egil Olsen's men head to Copenhagen for a crunch match that could either see them go clear or allow Denmark to join a three-way tie.

"We have the advantage because a draw is enough for us," said Olsen. "I am glad that we avoided any injuries or yellow cards against Iceland. The Danes will certainly not be easy opposition, as they are very well prepared."

Norway's late winner was a blow to the Danes, although in truth little changes as the need to catch Portugal means three points were always likely to be required.

We have the advantage because a draw is enough for us.
Egil Olsen, Norway coach

"We could have used a draw, and it was sad for us to see them score so late in the match because obviously it would have been better if it was 0-0," said playmaker Christian Eriksen. "But we still need to win on Tuesday night, that is our starting point."

Coach Morten Olsen shrugged off Norway's win, saying his team should not be relying on results elsewhere anyway.

"You can always hope for others to do the work for you, but it is up to you to decide your own battles," Olsen said. "Norway's victory was expected and had been included in our thinking.

"It does not change that much for us, and if anything changes the way the Norwegians will approach the game."

Tuesday's other Group B games sees Cyprus head to Iceland with both teams, long since eliminated from the qualification picture, still seeking their first win in the group.