Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024 Qualification: Norway vs Spain
Kickoff Time: 2023-10-16 02:45 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU
In the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, Group A features three
teams vying for two direct qualifying spots. As it stands, Scotland hold the
top position with 15 points, followed by Spain with 12 points, and Norway with
10 points. In the last round of this group, Norway achieved a convincing 4-0
victory over Cyprus. Erling Haaland, the star player, showcased his good form
by scoring two goals in just eight minutes. The Arsenal captain, Martin
Odegaard, also contributed significantly to the success. However, aside from
Haaland and Odegaard, Norway are lack of other prominent star talent. In a
midweek game, coach Stale Solbakken made a substitution in the second half,
bringing in 18-year-old left winger Antonio Nusa with the intention of
providing him with valuable experience. Nusa proved himself worthy of his
coach’s trust as he assisted Haaland in scoring within just eight minutes of
his appearance on the field. Over the past three games, Nusa has either scored
goals or provided assists, earning him a place as a reserve player for them.
While Haaland possesses exceptional scoring abilities, he is not known for
creating scoring opportunities on his own. Odegaard, who typically plays as a
right midfielder, tends to cut inside to join the attack. If the left winger,
Nusa, fails to effectively exploit the opponent’s flank, their offensive
capabilities become concentrated in the center, thus diminishing Haaland’s
impact. How to make good use of Nusa would be the key for this match.
Source:REUTERS/MARCELO DEL POZO
Spain made a significant comeback in their qualification campaign with
a 2-0 victory over Scotland, who were ranked at the top. With one round less
played, Spain have scored 18 goals, second only to Portugal, who have scored 24
goals in six games. This demonstrates their strong offensive capabilities. In
the midweek match, Spain showcased their dominance with a ball possession rate
of 74% and a passing success rate of 90.3%, which is quite impressive. The game
against Scotland had several highlights for Spain, including the debut of Bryan
Zaragoza as the new No. 10 for the national team. Additionally, players like
Jesus Navas, Alvaro Morata, and Joselu displayed consistent and stable
performances. Notably, Navas made an immediate impact after coming on as a
substitute, assisting Morata with a header through a deceptive move and cross.
Spain have managed to overcome the haze of the Football Association scandal and
have regained their confidence and showcased their capabilities on the field.
In the first leg, Spain emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over Norway.
During that match, Spain effectively identified and exploited Norway’s
weaknesses, employing a full-court pressing strategy to nullify their wing
attacks. Furthermore, Spain’s recent qualification to host the 2030 World Cup
has undoubtedly boosted their morale and confidence. With this positive
momentum, it is expected that Spain will be determined to perform well and
avoid causing any complications for the Spanish Football Federation.
Considering these factors, there is reason to be optimistic about Spain’s
chances in the upcoming away game.
Norway’s Last 5 Games: WWWWL
23-10-13 Cyprus 0-4 Norway
23-09-13 Norway 2-1 Georgia
23-09-08 Norway 6-0 Jordan
23-06-21 Norway 3-1 Cyprus
23-06-17 Norway 1-2 Scotland
Spain’s Last 5 Games: WWWDW
23-10-13 Spain 2-0 Scotland
23-09-13 Spain 6-0 Cyprus
23-09-08 Georgia 1-7 Spain
23-06-19 Croatia 0-0 Spain (AET 0-0 PEN 4-5)
23-06-16 Spain 2-1 Italy
Head To Head Record:
23-03-26 Spain 3-0 Norway
19-10-13 Norway 1-1 Spain
19-03-24 Spain 2-1 Norway
03-11-20 Norway 0-3 Spain
03-11-16 Spain 2-1 Norway
Prediction: Spain to win