Three games, no goals, one point and no knockout fun.

Northern Ireland at least showed more stamina than Joe Biden on Sunday night.

The 2,400-plus home fans in the Seaview Stadium were optimistic, but there was no spectacle in the final minutes of their group stage match. Norway won 2-0.

Even a place in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Play-Offs was missed as Northern Ireland finished bottom of Group A.

Norway secures play-off spot while Italy and Ukraine advance to semi-finals.

Daniel Braut of Norwegian second division club Sandnes Ulf gave his team a win with a goal in each half.

After a 0-0 draw against Ukraine and a 3-0 defeat to Italy, Northern Ireland had to dig deep in Group A to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Norway, making their first appearance in the final, were not as eye-catching as Italy but still had too much speed and quality for the home side.

Liverpool’s Kieran Morrison was relegated to the bench as manager Gareth McAuley called on Braiden Graham and Sam Glenfield to take charge.

Former Linfield player Aodhan Doherty was given the chance to impress on the left flank, but Rangers midfielder Blaine McClure was suspended.

As news of Ukraine’s goal against Italy came in, there was little inspiration to brighten the bleak outlook at Shore Road.

The opening goal was tentative, but the home side came to life in the 21st minute when Dylan Stitt stung Martin Børsheim in the hands after Glenfield invited him to inflict damage.

Norway, in their all-white kit, were good in possession but lacked attacking ingenuity.

Gallagher, the son of Neil Lennon, played at left back and impressed for his team during this tournament, but he could not prevent his team from conceding an unfortunate goal in the 34th minute.

Braut intervened from close range when the home side’s defence stumbled at the wrong moment.

When the rain started, it became an unmitigated disaster for Northern Ireland.

This was already quite a challenge, without having to fight dangerous opponents.

Northern Ireland could have been 2-0 down at half-time but a header from centre-back Simen Vatne Haram went just wide.

Still searching for their first goal of the tournament, manager McAuley needed some inspirational advice at half-time.

Børsheim were not bothered by Glenfield’s shot, but the visitors seemed calmer in possession.

Reece Evans replaced Joel Thompson as McAuley looked to turn the tide, but by the 65th minute it was already 2-0.

It was that man Braut who once again threw a stab in the back of Northern Ireland, claiming his third of the tournament.

Braut then rattled the woodwork twice, while the home side found it difficult to stop him.

Substitute Morrison forced Børsheim into an impressive block, but the elusive goal failed to materialise.

It was a disappointing end to a flat campaign for Northern Ireland, but it was a learning experience for the young players.

However, their Euro adventure ends here.

Northern Ireland: Charles, Barr, Thompson (Evans 63), Briggs, Lennon, Graham (Smith 77), Stitt, J Doherty (Morrison 71), Atcheson, Glenfield (Trickett 77), A Doherty.

Unused substitutes: Munn, Goodman, Hamilton, McCallion.

Norway: Børsheim, Loftesnes-Bjune, Andresen (Auklend 90), Holten, Vatne Haram, Helland (Røsten 90), Hernes (Steinset 86), Faraas (Kilen 66), Granaas, Bang-Kittilsen (Austbø 66), Brau.

Unused substitutes: Østraat, Gonstad, Røsten, Hammer Kjelsen, Pedersen.

Referee: Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)

Man of the match: Daniel Braut

Match rating: 6/10