Norway vs Austria Prediction: 9/9/2024

Erling Haaland is on a mission to bring Norway back into the spotlight of international football. Norway had its golden years between the 1990s and early 2000s, participating in two European Championships and one World Cup.

Despite having top talents like Haaland, Odegaard, and Sorloth, Norway missed out on the recent Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. Their downfall came from a lack of focus in Group A, where Scotland secured 2nd place behind Spain, the group leader with 21 points. In June 2024, during their last set of games, Norway won 3-0 against Kosovo but suffered a 1-3 defeat to Denmark. Last Friday, they faced Kazakhstan.

Austria, meanwhile, has been a consistent performer in European football, participating in four of the last five Euros since 2008. This consistency is impressive, especially for Austria’s current golden generation. In Euro 2024, Austria found themselves in a tough Group D with France and the Netherlands but surprised everyone by topping the group with 6 points after wins against the Netherlands and Poland. However, Austria lost 2-1 to Turkey in the Round of 16, with both goals coming from headers by Demiral. Austria played against Slovenia last Friday.

Several key Norwegian players were unavailable for their Nations League matches. Defenders Ajer (Brentford) and Meling (Copenhagen) and midfielder Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) were sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Elyounoussi (Copenhagen) was not called up, along with midfielders Vetlesen (Club Brugge) and Schjelderup (Benfica), who featured in June friendlies.

Erling Haaland has been in unstoppable form, scoring 7 goals in 3 Premier League matches, including two hat-tricks. He also scored during the Community Shield against Manchester United. Martin Odegaard, with 59 caps, continues to lead the team from the number 10 position behind Haaland. Other key players include Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Larsen (Wolverhampton), and young talents Nusa (RB Leipzig, 19) and Egeli (18).

On the Austrian side, key players like Michael Gregoritsch, Florian Grillitsch, Maxi Entrup, and Sasa Kalajdzic are missing. However, new additions like Kevin Stöger (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Arnel Jakupovic (NK Maribor) could make their debut. Familiar faces such as Kevin Danso (Lens), Max Wöber (Borussia Mönchengladbach), and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) will anchor the defense, while Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich) will command the midfield. Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic (116 caps, 37 goals) remains a key figure up front.

 

Prediction

Norway has struggled in recent encounters against Austria, winning only a few of their last 16 competitive matches. However, Austria is currently in great form, with eight wins in their last ten games, which gives them an edge heading into this clash.

Prediction: Norway 1-2 Austria