Spain vs Norway prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-03-24 19:45.
Itâs the dawn of a new era as manager Luis de la Fuente makes his competitive debut as Spain boss with one clear aim – ensuring they qualify for UEFA Euro 2024! Heâll hope that kicking off Group A with a victory over Norway will help extinguish memories of their quarter-final exit in the World Cup last year, and help extend Spainâs impressive record of qualifying for every edition of this tournament since 1996.
"The issue is settled" remarked De la Fuente when asked about Sergio Ramosâ exclusion from their latest squad, with a lack of players from Spainâs âgolden generationâ marking his intentions. But with reports surfacing that the manager has kept his El ClĂĄsico stars separated on the training pitch, heâll hope thereâs enough harmony in his new squad to continue their fine record against Norway (W5, D2, L1).
De la Fuente may have been relieved when news emerged that Norwayâs goal-grabbing machine Erling Haaland would be absent from this match. His injury means heâll also miss his sideâs Tuesday clash against Georgia, so Norway boss StĂ„le Solbakken will be hoping his frontline doesnât go stale as his side aim for a repeat of their famous Euro 2000 triumph over these opponents.
"Norway are more than just Haaland" stated Spanish and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and he may have a point with the Lions having lost just three of their last ten games in an opposition country (W6, D2). But without their pride male, FIFAâs 44th-ranked side will have to show some bite if theyâre to avenge a bitter travelling qualification defeat to La Roja in 2019 (2-1), which ultimately saw them fail to qualify for Euro 2020.
Players to watch: Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas returns to the Spanish fold for the first time since 2019, so heâd love to score here after striking three goals across his last two club outings. Haalandâs injury means Norway look to fellow Premier League star Martin Ădegaard, who brings experience after securing four goal contributions (G1, A3) from his nine appearances in their last Eurosâ qualification attempt (inc play-offs).
Hot streak: Norway have netted first in their last four away outings (W3, L1).