Norway — Finland : Match Preview and Prediction for September 04,2025

Norway’s Ascent to the World Stage

The Norwegian powerhouse, featuring Haaland, Sørloth, Ødegaard, Nusa, Berg, and company, is confidently accelerating towards the World Cup. This exceptionally talented Scandinavian generation, under the guidance of Ståle Solbakken, has finally matured and is delivering results that could see Norway reach a major tournament for the first time since 2000.

Dominant Form and Qualification Hopes

In their current World Cup qualifying Group I, the home side boasts a perfect record of 4 wins from 4 matches, establishing a commanding 6-point lead over their closest rivals after the first round. Highlights include an impressive 3-0 demolition of Italy, a thrilling 4-2 victory over Israel, and a dominant 5-0 win against Moldova in Chișinău. A hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Estonia in Tallinn under torrential summer rain also proved crucial. Including last season’s Nations League results, Norway has secured 8 victories in their last 9 games, demonstrating a potent attacking force and strong form ahead of crucial home qualifiers against Moldova and Israel within the next month (they play Moldova on September 7th).

Finland’s Recent Struggles and Coaching Transition

Finland has recently undergone a coaching change, with Marko Kanerva departing after a disappointing Nations League campaign late last year. The ‘Huuhkajat’ commenced this qualification cycle under the leadership of Danish coach Jakob Friis. It’s fair to say that the Finns are currently navigating a period of inconsistency, although they aim to challenge Poland for second place in Group G (currently one point ahead, but Poland has a game in hand).

Precarious Group Standings for the Finns

While the ‘Blue-and-Whites’ technically sit atop their group at present, their slender 1-point advantage over the Netherlands is precarious, given that the Dutch have two games in hand and previously defeated Finland 2-0 on their home turf.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Inconsistent Performances

Finland’s recent results – a 2-2 draw away to Lithuania, a 1-0 win against Malta at the same venue, and a 2-1 victory over Poland – appear decent on paper. However, defensive frailties have been evident in all these encounters. Even against Poland, they only managed to hold on after a half-hour stoppage (due to a fan’s epileptic seizure). Their overall performance feels delicate, lacking the customary defensive organization. The Finns have conceded in their last three qualification matches and, more broadly, in 14 of their last 15 consecutive games.