Scotland vs Norway
If you’d have told Scotland players, officials and their loyal band of supporters that victory against Norway at Hampden Park in November would seal a second successive European Championship qualifying campaign, they’d have bitten your hand off.
So, to have already sealed their place at next summer’s Euro 2024 showpiece with a bit to spare, means Sunday evening’s clash is very much a celebratory occasion for the Tartan Army against a country which has long been eliminated.
That certainly wasn’t what many predicted when a group paired the Scots with both Norway and the 2008 & 2012 European champions, Spain.
Yet here we are and the Scots are ready to enjoy the occasion.
Talking Points
A 2-0 Scott McTominay-inspired victory at home to the Spanish in March was undoubtedly the pick of the Tartan Army’s European Championship qualifying highlights and as much of a welcome surprise to fans as it was the Sbotop European Championship qualifying betting odds.
But then came the seminal moment – the moment that made this and many observers believe Steve Clarke’s men were on an unstoppable mission to reach Germany.
It was a warm Saturday evening in Oslo in mid-June when Erling Haaland – fresh from helping Manchester City to new heights – fired home a penalty early in the second half to give his country an advantage.
That seemed that until something bordering on a late miracle occurred as, suddenly, Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean netted twice in three minutes.
It was an incredible turnaround for the Scots and, from that moment, the momentum swung to the extent they even secured their place without even playing last month as Norway were beaten at home by group leaders Spain.
The Norwegians’ 2-0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands on Thursday night, secured by goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Oscar Bobb, would barely have registered.
Norway have still failed to qualify for a major tournament since the turn of the millennium as manager Stale Solbakken attempts to build on the small progress he made during a World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them finish third in their group behind Holland and Turkey.
He is also likely to have make do without Haaland at Hampden too after he sustained an injury against the Faroes.
At the same time in manager Steve Clarke’s 50th game in charge, Scotland were twice coming from behind to draw in Georgia and keep alive their hopes of topping the table in Group A.
Again, McTominay was a key figure, scoring the first equaliser before substitute Lawrence Shankland netted a second leveller in the 92nd minute.
While the class of 2023 may not have the all-round talent previous eras could call upon – think Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan and Ally McCoist to name a few – they have shown in this qualifying campaign, and at Euro 2020, they can prove a match for the best nations on a one-off occasion.
With the backing of their passionate fans at home, this should be an occasion they savour.
History
I vividly remember watching and cheering in 1998 – the last time Scotland qualified for the World Cup – when Craig Brown’s side grabbed a second half equaliser against the Norwegians in a 1-1 group stage draw.
Unfortunately, Scotland lost their next match to Morocco and were eliminated.
They have met 19 times in total with Scotland winning 10 matches compared to six draws and three Norway successes.
The most recent of these was in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo in 2009 when John Arne Riise, Morten Gamst Pedersen (two) and Erik Huseklepp were
on target in a 4-0 win.
What was described as a Norway unofficial friendly was their first clash in 1929 which Scotland won 7-3.
Their last meeting in Scotland was a goalless World Cup qualifier 15 years ago.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP European Championship qualifying betting odds edge towards Scotland and so do I, although it is clear the nations are fairly evenly matched.
The hosts are available 1X2 @ 2.35, First Half 1X2 @ 2.98 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.04 – which is my *** tip – while Norway are Priced 1X2 @ 2.69, First Half 1X2 @ 3.70 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 1.80.
The draw is on offer @ 3.10 and you can get Over 2.25 @ 1.97 and Under 2.25 @ 1.85.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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