Two of the seven countries that have qualified for every Women’s World Cup to date will meet in the last game on Saturday. Nigeria and Norway have had varied results on this stage though. Norway won the World Cup in 1995, and The Grasshoppers have made it to the knockout rounds in six of their seven appearances. They made it to the semifinals in four of the first five World Cups, but their performance hasn’t been as sharp in recent years.
Meanwhile, Nigeria have only made it to the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup once. They were the first African team to make the quarterfinals of the competition back in 1999, and the Super Falcons nearly beat Brazil to make the semifinals. Unfortunately, Nigeria have not performed well outside of that appearance. The Super Falcons are 1-3-14 in the six other World Cups they have attended.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from Stade August-Delaune in Reims, France at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Norway -322
Nigeria +814
Draw +433
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
If reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg had decided to take part in this competition, Norway would be considered a real contender. However, Hegerberg declined to participate, so The Grasshoppers won’t have the best forward in the world.
Norway have had above average results on their way to the World Cup. They knocked off Scotland and China earlier in the year, and they hammered South Africa in their final tune-up for this competition. Being shutout in losses to Canada and New Zealand underscore why this team is no longer considered a major contender though.
The Super Falcons have long been the top team in Africa. They proved that once again by winning the West African Women’s World Cup last month, but their lack of experience against other top teams could come back to haunt them. Nigeria’s last game against a national team outside of West Africa was back in April when they lost to Canada 2-1.
Nigeria Player to Watch
Since coming to Barcelona at the end of January, Asisat Oshoala has made a name for herself. She netted eight goals in eight appearances for the second-best team in Spain, and she netted the only goal for Barcelona in their loss to Lyon in the Champions League Final. Oshoala has 11 goals as a member of the national team, and she is looking to add to that total in France.
Norway Player to Watch
Oshoala’s Barcelona teammate Caroline Graham Hansen is the player to watch for Norway. She already has made 71 appearances for the national team at the age of 24, and she has the second-most goals of any player on the roster. Hansen will be making her World Cup debut after missing the last World Cup due to a knee injury.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I believe this match will be closer than the oddsmakers think. Nigeria are unlikely to pick up a result, but I think they can get a goal from either Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, or Desire Oparanozie. None of Nigeria’s forwards are older than 25, and they can be disruptive with their pace.
Look for Hansen to prove that she is the best player on the pitch though. Hansen and Norway’s midfielders are a cut above Nigeria’s, and that will be the difference. I expect Hansen to be involved in a goal and Isabell Herlovsen to net once in a Norway win.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: Norway 2, Nigeria 1
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