They were ahead of Portugal during the qualifying campaign until a 2–0 defeat at Denmark, allowing Portugal to overtake them on goal difference. Norway ultimately missed out on a play-off spot on goal difference, finishing third in the five-team Group H.  Norway were the top seed of their 2014 World Cup qualifying group, but finished a disappointing fourth. Olsen was replaced by Per-Mathias Høgmo after the 2–0 defeat at home to Switzerland, but Norway dropped out of play-off contention after the following match, a 3–0 defeat at Slovenia. Høgmo continued to manage Norway for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying. They finished third in their qualifying group and entered a two-legged play-off against Hungary, but lost 3–1 on aggregate. Former Sweden and Iceland coach Lars Lagerbäck took charge in the middle of 2018 World Cup qualifying. They were out of play-off contention after a 6–0 defeat at Germany, and finished fourth in their group.