This is exactly the type of group-stage game you want to watch.
France and Norway have both won their opening two matches, but first place is still up for grabs and that could make a huge difference in the knockout rounds.
A tricky Round of 32 tie against Ivory Coast awaits the runner up of the group, whereas the winner will face a kinder draw against of the third placed teams – as well as playing in the late afternoon and avoiding the high temperatures in the middle of the day. This is a huge incentive, so I don’t expect either side to settle for a draw.
Norway have been brilliant going forward, but I think France have another level to reach.
Here’s my 29.00 Bet Builder.
My Norway vs France Bet Builder (29.00)
- Over 2.5 cards
- Over 7.5 corners
- Michael Olise 1+ assist
- Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer
- Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer
- Over 3.5 goals
Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer
How do you bet against him right now?
Mbappe has scored in each of his last eight France appearances and has 11 goals in his last 10 internationals. He’s already scored four times at this World Cup and not only has the Golden Boot in sight, but the all-time top scorer record recently taken by Lionel Messi.
As France’s penalty taker and biggest attacking threat, I’d be amazed if he doesn’t find the net again.
Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer
If Mbappe is scoring for fun, so is Haaland.
He’s scored a brace in both of Norway’s World Cup matches and has carried them to the brink of the knockout rounds. France have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven games, so I think Norway will create chances.
If they do, you know who they’re looking for.
Michael Olise 1+ Assist
Olise has been one of the players of the tournament.
He already has three assists, including two against Iraq, and leads the World Cup assist charts. During qualifying he created 22 chances, averaging 4.64 per game, and he’s already produced seven chances across France’s opening two matches.
With Mbappe, Dembele and Barcola making runs ahead of him, I fancy Olise to create another goal.
Over 3.5 Goals
Everything points towards goals.
Norway have seen four or more goals in both of their World Cup matches, while France have scored at least three goals in each of their last 11 games.
Both attacks are full of confidence and, with top spot still on the line, I don’t see either team sitting back.
Over 7.5 Corners
This should be an open, attacking game from the first whistle.
Norway’s adventurous full-backs love getting forward, while France attack relentlessly through the wings with Olise, Dembele and Barcola.
With both teams pushing to finish top of the group, eight corners feels a very achievable line.
Over 2.5 Cards
There’s plenty riding on this game.
Winning the group could mean a much kinder route through the knockout stages, so neither side will want to give an inch.
With two aggressive midfields and plenty of quick attackers forcing defenders into challenges, I think we’ll comfortably see three or more cards.
Camille’s Prediction
This has all the ingredients to be one of the games of the tournament so far.
Norway will ask questions, but I think France’s attacking quality will ultimately prove decisive.
Predicted score: France 3-2 Norway
Mbappe continues his incredible tournament, Olise adds another assist, and Les Bleus secure top spot in Group I.
Bet On Camille’s Bet Builder
Fancy backing my selections?
You can build this 29.00 Bet Builder on Bet9ja and follow Norway vs France with Bet Builder markets, player picks, cards, corners and live betting available throughout the match.
