France v Norway
Wednesday 12th June 2000hrs
Football – International – Women’s World Cup
Pick France to win and over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Betway
Odds: 21/20 (odds taken 18.30 GMT, Tuesday 11th June)
France and Norway’s women got their campaigns off to the perfect start and can book their place in the knockout phase with a win in Nice tomorrow evening.
Women’s World Cup Betting at Betway
France Preview – Are France going to continue to live up to favourites tag?
As well as being the hosts for this World Cup, the French are also clear favourites. Les Bleus turned in a dominant display in the opening game of the tournament on Friday to defeat South Korea 4-0. In truth, they never had to get out of second gear to ease to victory against the Koreans. There will be much tougher tests ahead, but it was in many ways the perfect game to begin proceedings. France have yet to win a World Cup and have never reached as far as the final before, either. Expectation is as high as it’s ever been this time, though, and nothing less than victory will be considered a success. There’s always been a feeling that the French have underperformed at major tournaments which brings with added pressure. As so often has been the case, their form coming into the tournament has been very good. The win over South Korea was France’s 14th win in their last 15 games.
They have shown incredible firepower during that run scoring 52 goals in that run. At the same time, they have conceded only five times, but the real test will come in the latter stages of this competition. That will be against the other elite teams in a knockout situation. History shows that’s where France struggle and will have to demonstrate improvement in order to be successful this summer.
Norway – Can Norway upset host nation?
Much of the coverage around Norway ahead of this competition was around a player who would not be involved. Ada Hegerberg is currently the best female football player in the world having won the inaugural Ballon d’OR Feminin. Hegerberg has also led Lyon to another Champions League triumph this year, excelling once again. Unfortunately for Norway she has not made herself available for selection for the past two years. The striker is at odds with the Norwegian FA around the treatment and commitment they place upon women’s football. It’s an omission from the squad that severely weakens them. Norway have a proud record at this competition, finishing runner’s up in the first ever running back in 1991. They followed that by becoming champions four years later and have finished fourth on a couple of occasions.
It could barely have been a better start for them this year, either. Although expected to breeze past Nigeria at the weekend, they negotiated it with ease and were 3-0 up in the first half. Naturally, Norway then proceeded to manage the game with a view to what lies ahead. Even without Hegerberg in their ranks, they still possess a lot of quality.
Key-Facts – France v Norway
- France and Norway have begun this tournament in fine fashion and can progress to the knockout phase with a win
- The French have scored 52 goals in their last 15 games, winning 14 of them
- Norway have been in inconsistent form late losing four of their past 10 matches
France v Norway Betting Advice
When the draw for the World Cup was made this game stood out as being one of the most intriguing of the group stage. These two have been powerhouses of women’s football and both expect to be going deep into this competition. A draw would likely be good enough for both teams to progress, however a win would essentially guarantee top spot with a game to go. That would also allow the victorious team to rest some key players in their final group game.
This is just the second time France have faced Norway in the Women’s World Cup. The last time came back in 2003 and it was the Norwegians who ran out 2-0 winner, also in the group stage. It would be a surprise to see a repeat of that such is the firepower France have at their disposal. The public turned out in tremendous number on Friday and are expected to do so again. 12 of France’s 14 wins in recent times have come with three or more goals scored in the game. With Norway carrying an impressive attacking threat as well this could be an entertaining game but one which the French should come out on top.
