Spain vs Norway » Prediction, Watch Live + Odds & Stats 25.03.2023

Spain and Norway will begin their journey towards UEFA Euro 2024 qualification when they collide this weekend.

Since that famous golden era of three trophy wins between 2008 and 2012, the Spanish haven’t quite been able to adapt their system to the ever-changing football landscape. They always manage to throw out a few solid performances here and there on the big stage, but when it comes to going that extra mile, they just don’t have the ‘mentality monster’ approach they once did.

Spain put the 31 other teams in last year’s World Cup on notice with a 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in their opening game. They went on to draw 1-1 with Germany before losing 2-1 to Japan, and then in the round of 16, they were stunned on penalties by Morocco in a big upset.

They haven’t qualified for the World Cup since 1998 and the Euros since 2000, with the latter marking their only appearance in the tournament. For a nation of this stature, that record needs to change - and it needs to change fast. They’ve got some high quality youngsters coming through the ranks and if there was ever a time to change the status quo, it’s now.

Norway’s inability to keep themselves on the right track must be frustrating for their fans. Since last summer they’ve been able to defeat Sweden and Ireland, running alongside a 1-1 draw with Finland. However, they also picked up a draw and a loss against Slovenia before being easily beaten by Serbia.

Garcia and Joselu are both pushing to make their full debut for the national team with Morata serving as captain. Elsewhere, Pedri and Simon are both out through injuries.

The big news is that Erling Haaland will miss out due to a niggle in a huge blow for Norway. However, Odegaard and Sorloth are both expected to feature.

The visitors are likely to be quite apprehensive from the word go, allowing the hosts to really implement their style without being pushed back all too much. That’s the kind of approach that’s going to invite a lot of pressure and due to that, we’re going to back a fairly comfortable Spain win.