WC Qualification: Turkey vs. Norway

[Malchus]

08.10.21 - 20:45 CET

EUROPE: World Cup - Qualification
Group G is extremely balanced after six rounds, with fourth-placed Montenegro (8 points) still in with a chance of top spot, but the leading trio of the Netherlands (13), Norway (13) and Turkey (11) will fight for direct promotion. Turkey will be led by a new coach for today's game. After the 1:6 debacle in the Netherlands in September, legendary coach Senol Günes quit and was replaced by German Stefan Kuntz. He is familiar with the Turkish scene from his year-long stint at Besiktas. Turkey need to reboot and continue their good start to the qualification, beating the Netherlands 4:2 at home and beating Norway 3:0 on neutral ground in Spain.

For Norway, the first match was a nightmare. Not only did they lose their home advantage due to their own anti-epidemic measures, but their number one goalkeeper was injured, they finished the game without Thorstvedt, the referee disallowed their goal and they hit the post. That was Norway's only defeat so far in the group, in which they managed a 1-1 draw at home to the Netherlands in September.

Today, it will be much harder for the visitors. Not only is their top scorer Haaland injured, but they will also miss other players in the squad (King, Sorloth, Ajer, Svensson). Turkey also reports a couple of absences, but they are not noticeable as in the case of the Norwegians.

Prediction:
Turkey @ 2.20 (bet365)

 

[TheGeroj]

I have the same bet here, Haaland missing is a huge blow for Norway not only in terms of quality on the pitch, but also psychological blow as they know they can't rely on one of the best strikers in the world. Also playing at home in Istanbul is a nice advantage for important match like this.

Let's go Turkey!!! good luck to us

 

[Malchus]

Prediction:
Turkey @ 2.20 (bet365)

FT: Turkey 1:1 Norway

Turkey: Kerem Aktürkoglu (6')
Norway: Kristian Thorstvedt (41')

Prediction KO