contemporary teams like norway and sweden have also demonstrated the viability of the long-ball approach when executed with skill, precision and creativity by top players. norway played a characteristic 4-5-1 formation in the 1990s and early 21st century. the left back would often hit long crosses to jostein flo, who in turn would head the ball to either one of the central midfielders or to the striker. this was known as the flo pass, and the norwegian national team garnered much criticism for its perceived long-ball approach. egil olsen did, however, take the national team to two world cups, and the long ball style of play is considered to have played an important role in accomplishing this.