Norway V Spain
Saturday 12 October 2019 – 19:45 Kick-Off
UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying
Pick: Both Teams to Score
Odds: 27/25
Bookmaker: Unibet
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/1 | 67/20 | 1/2 |
* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 10 October 2019 at 12:00)
Preview: The Spanish are in a commanding position in Group F, winning all six qualifiers thus far to lead the group by seven points. Securing a seventh win of the campaign may not be straightforward. A trip to Norway is up next, and the Norwegians are not only in fine form themselves but urgently need an injection of points. It should be a riveting contest at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway.
UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying Betting – 22Bet
Norway Preview – Defeat unthinkable for Norwegians?
Results in Group F: Spain 2-1 (A), Sweden 3-3 (H), Romania 2-2 (H), Faroe Islands 0-2 (A), Malta 2-0 (H), Sweden 1-1 (A)
Games at home have averaged four goals per game in Euro 2020 Qualifying, with the Norwegians (4th – W2 D3 L1, GF11 GA8) supplying a minimum of two per game themselves – scoring twice versus Malta and Romania, and three against Sweden. On only one of those occasions, though, were those goalscoring exploits sufficient enough for them to celebrate victory, when beating Malta 2-0. Draws versus the other two explain why the Scandinavians now find themselves in such a precarious situation.
Under normal circumstances, a point at home to Spain could be perceived as being a very positive outcome. These are not normal circumstances though. Despite only suffering the one loss thus far (which did come against the Spanish first time out, losing 2-1), the Norwegians have simply drawn too many games and trail both Romania and Sweden by one and two points respectively as a consequence. Furthermore, that gap could widen with both rivals contesting eminently winnable fixtures the same day.
The pressure is on Norway therefore, who have displayed enough attacking intent at home in qualifying to suggest they are equipped to do what no side has so far managed in this campaign – to beat the Spanish. Coach Lars Lagerback has overseen a team that is currently unbeaten in five overall (W2 D3), while at home it is no defeat since 2016 – a run of thirteen matches without losing (W9 D4). They scored at least one goal throughout that entire sequence.
Spain Preview – La Roja to maintain winning standards?
Results in Group F: Norway 2-1 (H), Malta 0-2 (A), Faroe Islands 1-4 (A), Sweden 3-0 (H), Romania 1-2 (A), Faroe Islands 4-0 (H)
It is surely a matter of time before Spain (1st – W6, GF17 GA3) confirm the inevitable in Group F. Their lead at the summit seems insurmountable. A cushion of eight points separates them from Romania in third, meaning a berth into next summer’s European Championship – a competition they are bidding to win for a fourth time – is almost assured. Victory here would just about complete the formalities.
Victory does seem the most probable outcome as well. Spain have been flawless up until this stage with six wins and not a single point dropped, achieved whilst scoring at an average of almost three goals per game. It is all rather ominous from the team ranked fourth in the latest FIFA Rankings, one which has won its past seven consecutive games and has only been beaten on the one occasion in sixteen away from home (W11 D4 L1) – scoring at least once throughout that sequence.
This is, however, their most difficult period of the campaign, preparing for back-to-back away encounters in Norway and Sweden. Two sides with everything still to play for and who can both boast strong recent form. Another notoriously quick start to proceedings could be key, though, with Spain ahead at the break and subsequently going on to win the match on five occasions in this campaign. Spain/Spain in the HT/FT market is 11/8 with Coral.
Norway V Spain Key Facts:
- Norway have not been beaten at home for over three years (W9 D4).
- Spain are on a run of seven straight victories, with six coming in this Euro 2020 Qualifying campaign.
- Three of the previous four meetings were won by Spain, who won the reverse encounter 2-1 at home in March.
Betting Summary
There may be a significant gap separating these two teams in the standings but the impressive form of both suggests a terrific encounter awaits in Oslo. The hosts are the ones in greater need of a result, though, with Norway trailing the automatic qualification places by two points – a gap that seems likely to extend unless they can etch out a priceless victory here. No loss at home since 2016 is reason enough to think they can secure at least a point.
Then again, their opponents are Spain. Robert Moreno’s team have been sublime so far, winning all six qualifiers to comfortably top the group. There is less pressure on them to acquire a positive result, although that is unlikely to lead to much complacency from a side which has tasted defeated only once in its previous sixteen away matches (excluding World Cup).
Spain are deservedly the favourites but do look awfully short considering the strength of the opposition and the small matter of them being the visiting side. Both teams scoring must have solid claims, though; Norway have been impressive at home recently, scoring a minimum of two goals in their three home qualifiers to date, and need a positive result. Meanwhile, Spain are Spain and typically score wherever.
