Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Tore Andre Flo would have struggled to make it into Jose Antonio Camacho's squad, according to the former Tottenham goalkeeper.

Camacho was able to leave the likes of Fernando Morientes at home in Spain, and Thorstvedt - now part of Norway's coaching team - expects a hard Euro 2000 baptism in Rotterdam.

Norway, who have never beaten Spain, have been busily cultivating their underdog image before their opening game - and Thorstvedt stresses defeat would not be the end of the world for his team.

He said: "If you look at our squad, how many players would get into the Spanish squad? We've got some top players, but it may not even be one. They've got so much talent.

"We draw on other qualities like our spirit, teamwork and good organisation. We have to play to our strengths.

"We know Spain will have a lot of the ball. We must know in our minds that even though we might be under pressure for large parts of the game, with our quality up front we know we will create chances during the 90 minutes.

"If we keep calm and keep working hard we will get our chances to win."

Spain, as usual, qualified for the finals at a canter. But they will be desperate to lose the tag of under-achievement which has plagued them in recent tournaments.

Thorstvedt said: "For so many championships Spain have been among the hot favourites and they have always under-performed. Sooner or later they're going to get it right, and it could be this time.

"It's important for the whole squad to know that it's not a disaster if we actually lose this match. We've got plenty of chances to go through."

Norway expect to contest the runners-up spot in Group C with Yugoslavia.

Slovenia, who beat Ukraine in a play-off to reach the finals after finishing eight points behind Norway in qualifying Group B, should not influence the outcome - although everyone is being careful to treat them with respect.

Nils Johan Semb's Norwegian team, meanwhile, can no longer classify themselves among the minnows of European football.

The Scandinavians have consistently appeared in the top 10 of FIFA's world rankings since they qualified for the 1994 World Cup at England's expense. In France 98 they beat Brazil to qualify for the knock-out phase.

Thorstvedt said: "We're very highly ranked. I'm not sure if we really deserve that ranking, but we're happy to be in the top 10.

"In the last two tournaments we've been in, the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, the expectations at home have been over the top.

"That has hurt us when we haven't played particularly well. It's been a burden for us. This time the coach has worked hard to bring expectations down."

Henning Berg has been Semb's biggest doubt during preparations for the first game. The Manchester United defender sat out training last week nursing a hamstring problem.

Spain look likely to be without full-back Michel Salgardo who picked up an ankle injury in training. Celta Vigo's Juan Velasco could replace the Real Madrid defender.