Another demonstration of Norwegian power?

The Norwegian national soccer team is currently enjoying what is probably the best phase in its history. The fact is that the “Løvene (The Lions)” are currently ranked among the top 30 in the FIFA world rankings and have never been as strong in terms of quality across the board, and especially at the top, as they are now. The golden generation is now set to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

Erling Haaland and his teammates want to take the final step toward this goal on Thursday evening. If the favorites live up to expectations in Norway’s penultimate qualifying match against Estonia, then the team from the kingdom in northern Europe will virtually be guaranteed victory in Group I and a place at the 2026 World Cup. Depending on the result of the match between Moldova and Italy, the lead over the Italians would still be three points before the last matchday, but given the current 16-goal difference, a preliminary decision in favor of Norway and against Gattuso’s team would already have been made before the direct duel on Sunday.

Ahead of the uneven match between Norway and Estonia, a prediction for coach Stale Solbakken’s team seems absolutely self-explanatory in view of their performances in World Cup qualifying so far. They have won all six games to date, including the important first leg against their toughest rivals from Italy.

Particularly impressive: the Scandinavians have scored a whopping 29 goals, an average of almost five per game. The Netherlands have the second-best attack in European World Cup qualifying with 22 goals. The Norwegians have been unstoppable so far. Eleven goals in 90 minutes against Moldova, five against Israel and three against Italy are testament to their outstanding attacking qualities.

Erling Haaland alone has already scored twelve goals! He scored eight goals in the two matches against Moldova (five) and Israel (three). In general, the blond force of nature is currently in the form of his life. In 15 of the last 16 competitive games in which the former Dortmund player took to the field, he put the ball in the back of the net at least once. In most cases, it was the important first goal for his team.

Apart from that, there are also other betting recommendations, but they all point towards a comfortable home win. For example, the Norway vs. Estonia betting odds for a Norwegian half-time lead of at least two goals are also high in my considerations. On the one hand, because 16 of the 29 qualifying goals mentioned were scored before the break, and on the other hand, because Solbakken’s team led by at least three goals in four of the six games. Always by at least two at home.

Norway – Estonia Head-to-head record

The previous paragraphs clearly show Norway’s dominance in Group I. In fact, five of the six qualifying games were won by at least two goals, four by three or more goals. The only exception was the narrow 1-0 away win in Estonia, where Haaland scored the winning goal after an hour.

Generally speaking, the previous encounters have been unspectacular. In the previous three encounters, only four goals were scored in total. The Scandinavians even lost the only home game against the Balts 0-1 in 2014. However, a repeat of this result on Thursday evening can be categorically ruled out from the outset.

Norway – Estonia Tip

The Norwegian national soccer team has had an outstanding and flawless World Cup qualification campaign so far. Six wins in six games and a goal difference of 29:3 underline the dominance of Solbakken’s team in Group I. With two match days to go, the Scandinavians are close to securing a direct ticket to the World Cup.

Thanks to their sensational goal difference, a home win on Thursday evening will be enough to finally seal their plans for the 2026 World Cup. I have no doubt whatsoever that Haaland and his teammates will take the butter off their bread against Estonia at home in Oslo.

The Estonians have not won any of their last six international matches, scoring only three goals in total and conceding more than two goals on average in seven qualifying matches. I am therefore firmly convinced that the star-studded team, which is in great form, will set off another fireworks display in front of their home crowd and celebrate a big party. My Norway vs. Estonia tip is therefore for an early (and clear) lead. I like the handicap -1.5 (1st half) best at odds of 1.84. I’m betting five out of a possible ten units.