Prediction: Spain win
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The international break is upon us as we gear up for the first set of fixtures at this level since the World Cup last winter. The primary focus will now be on UEFA Euro 2024, with the road to qualification beginning over the course of the next few days. Today, we ll take a look at what should be an incredibly competitive encounter as Spain and Norway begin their journey to try and reach Germany next year.
Spain
It was another similar story for Spain at the 2022 World Cup. They showed great promise and had a few tremendous results, but they ultimately couldn t get themselves over the finish line. Oh, and as has been the case so often since their golden era came to an end, they were knocked out by a side they probably should ve beaten. Now, it s time to go back to the drawing board in a tournament they always seem to fare well in.
Norway
The Norwegians haven t qualified for the World Cup since 1998 and they ve only qualified for the European Championship once, back in 2000. This nation has been waiting a long time for some hope on the world stage and with a few superstars starting to join the national team s ranks, it s hard not to picture them finding success sooner rather than later although, they will have to deal without Erling Haaland for their next few games.
Factors to Consider
In their last meeting back in October 2019, Spain and Norway drew 1-1.
Spain have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
Norway have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
Spain have scored 13 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
Norway have scored seven goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
Conclusion
We ve already touched on how we think now is the time for this Norway side to explode into life, but in a game like this, we do think they ll be a bit reserved coming out of the gate. We anticipate that the Spanish will try and implement their own game plan from the word go and as a result, they ll be able to press the visitors back with relative ease. In the end, Spain will come away as 3-1 winners, but the glimpses of magic from the underdogs will certainly be there.
Prediction: Spain win
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