Business end of things
Norway and Australia face off in the round of 16 in nice on Saturday evening. Both teams performed admirably during the group stage but the pair of them ultimately finished second having lost a game each. With the business end of the tournament now upon us it is do or die, sort of. Read on to see which team is the more likely winner.
Norway
It was never going to be easy without Ballon d'or winner Ada Hegerberg. The worlds best female player decided against featuring in the World Cup due to reasons you can find on google.
Despite not having their best player, Norway did what was needed and qualified behind a French team that everyone knew would top the group, nothing out of the ordinary there. The issue is more of how bleak the Norwegians looked during their loss to France, it may have ended 2-1 but that after a strange French own goal. Long story short, France dominated the game and were not really under any pressure at all meaning that Norway has issues against the top teams.
Surprisingly, Norway had a tough time of things against South Korea too marginally winning with 2-1, that may be down to a lack of concentration or perhaps underestimating their opponents but it is however a little worrisome, despite getting the job done.
Australia
The Aussie's have one of the best strikers in the world in Sam Kerr and so far, she has delivered. The Chicago Red Star's attacker scored 5 goals in the group and is currently on fire, a great omen seeing that Norway's defence have had quite a few issues during the group stage.
The Australians qualified from what probably was the toughest group in the tournament containing the likes of Italy, Brazil and minnows Jamaica. The Socceroos lost their opening to Italy after a 95th minute goal but followed that up with an inspired win against Brazil as well as a routine 4-1 rout of Jamaica showing that they really are up their with the best.
As touch on above, Norway's defence has been iffy at best meaning that Australia's frontline should really be looking forward to this fight and will be relishing their chance's of qualifying for the quarters.
Betting tip
Australia seem to be the better side, huge factors being that Norway are missing their best player whilst the Aussie's have theirs. I have a hard time seeing the Scandinavians outmaneuver Australia which is why i will be backing an Australian win at 11/10 with Bethard.
