Norway meet Finland in a top of Group A clash at UEFA Women’s Euro.
Victory would see either team move onto the brink of knockout qualification, which would be confirmed if Switzerland and Iceland draw their group match.
Team News
Norway have no fresh injury concerns to report, but defender, Thea Bjelde is one booking away from suspension for their final group match after she was booked in their opening win over Switzerland.
Finland have no fresh injury concerns to report after they saw off Iceland in their tournament opener.
When is Kick-Off?
Norway face Finland at Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland, at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time) live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Norway’s first meeting against Finland at UEFA Women’s Euro.
- Finland have lost just one of five UEFA Women’s Euro meetings against Nordic rivals (W2, D2, L1).
- Norway are looking to record consecutive group stage victories for the first time in this competition since they won their last two such games in this phase at the 2013 edition.
- Finland last won their first two group matches in this competition at the 2009 edition.
Prediction
Having struggled to click in the first half of their eventual comeback against the Swiss through two clinical goals and a slice of luck for their second, Norway need to now take confidence and come out with a more polished display if they’re to put the group winners’ position in their own hands.
Finland meanwhile looked lively and a proper threat against Iceland throughout but just lacked that clinical touch until a moment of magic separated both teams, amidst resilient stubborn defending.
Now if Norway do find more consistency and Finland continue to play like they did in their opener, and with a solid record in Nordic derbies at Women’s Euro, I can see a close battle with a point apiece.
Prediction: Norway 1-1 Finland
Result: Norway 2-1 Finland