Two of Europe’s most exciting sides go head-to-head on Friday night when Norway face France in the final Group I fixture of the FIFA World Cup. Below we have a preview, the best bets and a prediction for this blockbuster Group I encounter.
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Both nations have already secured their place in the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches, but top spot in the group is still up for grabs. While progression is guaranteed, finishing first could provide a more favourable route through the knockout stages, giving both teams plenty to play for.
Betting Preview
France have once again looked every bit like one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Les Bleus opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal before producing another commanding display in a 3-0 win over Iraq. Their attack has been clinical, their midfield has controlled matches with ease and they have conceded just once in two outings.
Kylian Mbappé has led the charge in typical fashion, while the supporting cast has also delivered when called upon. France’s strength in depth remains one of their biggest weapons, allowing them to rotate without a significant drop in quality. With qualification already secured, there is a possibility that several regular starters could be rested, particularly with assistant coach Guy Stéphan expected to lead the side following Didier Deschamps’ temporary absence.
Norway have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
Returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, Ståle Solbakken’s side have announced themselves in style. A convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq was followed by an entertaining 3-2 win against Senegal, securing six points from six and guaranteeing progression to the knockout stages.
Much of Norway’s success has revolved around Erling Haaland.
The prolific striker has continued his outstanding goalscoring form on the international stage and arrives full of confidence after another influential display against Senegal. Captain Martin Ødegaard has also been outstanding, dictating the tempo in midfield while creating numerous chances for his teammates.
With both sides already through, the biggest question is how aggressively each manager approaches the match. France may prioritise squad management ahead of the knockout rounds, while Norway have an opportunity to make another statement by finishing above one of the tournament favourites.
Recent Form & Stats
Norway
- Beat Iraq 4-1 in their opening match.
- Defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure qualification.
- Have scored seven goals in two matches.
- Erling Haaland has emerged as one of the tournament’s leading goalscorers.
France
- Beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener.
- Defeated Iraq 3-0 in their second fixture.
- Have won both matches and scored six goals.
- Need only a draw to finish top of Group I due to their superior goal difference.
Head-to-Head
France have traditionally enjoyed the upper hand in meetings between the two nations, but Norway arrive in arguably their strongest position in decades and will believe they can challenge one of the tournament favourites.
Best Bets & Predictions
Prediction: France to win at 1.62.
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at 1.70.
Value Bet: France to win & BTTS at 3.00
This has all the ingredients to be one of the standout matches of the final group-stage round.
France remain one of the favourites to win the World Cup, but Norway have shown they are capable of troubling anyone when Haaland and Ødegaard are at their best.
With first place in Group I on the line, expect an entertaining contest between two confident teams heading into the knockout rounds.
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