Will Portugal Complete a Perfect International Match Series?
From the Portuguese national team’s perspective, there could hardly have been a better response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. The “Selecao das Quinas” aggressively attacked the Danes’ goal on Matchday 3. The result was a 4-2 victory, which Jorge Jesus and his squad will surely be happy to carry forward into the Portugal vs. Norway match.
The shots on goal in the match were worth just under two expected goals—four different players found the back of the net. The 2016 European champions are building seamlessly on this performance in our Portugal vs. Norway prediction.
While the other three national teams in Nations League A Group 4 are all stuck on three points, the No. 7 team in the FIFA World Rankings sits alone at the top of the table with nine points. Accordingly, the Portugal vs. Norway odds indicate that the hosts are clear favorites.
The top bookmakers’ odds imply a win probability of approximately 60 percent. However, no one should underestimate the power of the Scandinavian Lions. The Norwegian national team has failed to score only once this calendar year.
Based on the three previous matches during this international break, the Portuguese national team has an expected goals-against average of 4.1. Following their 1-0 victory over Wales, they played two matches (2-1 vs. Norway, 4-2 vs. Denmark) in which the “Selecao das Quinas” conceded at least one goal.
Portugal – Norway Head-to-Head Record
During Portugal’s 2-1 victory in Norway, the Cristiano Ronaldo saga took its course. The 41-year-old sat on the bench for the entire match. From there, he had the best possible view of Portugal’s ninth victory in their twelfth head-to-head matchup.
Norway has won only one match against the reigning Nations League champion so far. In 2010, the Lions won a home game 1-0 as part of the European Championship qualifiers.
Portugal vs. Norway Prediction
Under Stale Solbakken, Norway moves the ball quickly and vertically down the field whenever possible when in possession. The players’ profiles are ideally suited to this approach, and in Erling Haaland, the World Cup quarterfinalist has an elite goal-scorer.
With their style of play and dangerous set-piece tactics, the visitors are a tough opponent for any team. In the first leg, the Norwegians took 22 shots, recorded 36 touches in the opponent’s penalty area, and created more than twice as many expected goals as the “Selecao das Quinas.”
Nevertheless, we see the home team as the favorites. Their 4-2 victory over Denmark on Matchday 3 featured many positive elements in their attacking play. Defensively, however, Portugal once again showed a few moments where the back line appeared vulnerable. For our Portugal vs. Norway tip on “Over 3.5 goals,” we’re happy for this trend to continue.
