The Norwegians have three points in the bag from their opening game against Spain and must equal or better Spain's result against Yugoslavia to progress.

"Just as much as we need to ride the wave of success after a victory over Spain, we need to be able to tackle defeat," said Manchester United striker Solskjaer.

After beating the Slovenians twice in qualifying, Norway should be confident of a favourable result.

But injuries to key players have hampered the efforts of coach Nils Johan Semb, with Solskjaer's Old Trafford team-mate Henning Berg out until the quarter-finals should Norway qualify.

And Liverpool right-back Vegard Heggem is certain to miss the rest of the tournament after damaging his hamstring against Yugoslavia.

Slovenia, though, are hoping to write a fresh chapter to their footballing fairytale by qualifying for the last eight.

The rank outsiders were not expected to survive beyond the group stage but should they win tonight, and neighbours Yugoslavia defeat Spain, a quarter-final spot will be theirs.

Coach Srecko Katanec, reprimanded by UEFA for showing dissent to the referee in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Spain, is grateful to still have a chance of reaching the next round.

"It is already a big achievement for us that we go into the third match with a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals, while countries like the Czech Republic and Denmark are already out," he said.

Captain Darko Milanic will not take part after picking up his second booking in as many games against Spain.

But Aleksander Knavs could start after returning from a muscle injury with a substitute appearance against the Spaniards.

"I think it is possible that Knavs is now fit enough to play for 90 minutes," said Katanec.