Two Scandinavian nations go head-to-head on matchday one of the UEFA Nations League (UNL) as Norway’s first-ever League A campaign kicks off against Denmark.
Match News and Current Form
Norway ultimately fell short in the summer’s World Cup finals, but an admirable run to the quarter-finals was a clear signal of their recent improvement as a footballing nation. That’s perhaps most evident in their historical UNL rankings, as after competing in League C in the inaugural 2018/19 edition, the Norwegians have worked their way to the top table following promotion in the last cycle. They’ll be hoping to fare better than the last batch of promoted sides, three of whom faced instant relegation back to League B in the last cycle, and given their only three international defeats since November 2024 (W16, D3) came against top-ten FIFA-ranked nations, they may be quietly optimistic of establishing themselves in this league considering only one of their upcoming opponents (Portugal #7) sit in that top echelon.
Denmark are seasoned League A competitors these days, embarking upon their fourth successive campaign in the UNL’s top tier. The last cycle brought about a first progression past the initial phase, something which owed solely to the competition’s new expanded format as the top two now advance into the UNL finals, but their dream was ended by Portugal at the first hurdle. Bypassing the initial phase this time around is likely to be tricky for a Denmark side who’ve not only won just one of their last five completed games (D3, L1), but also gone five UNL away matches without a win (D2, L3).
Head-to-Head History
Denmark are unbeaten in the last six H2Hs (W4, D2) and haven’t been beaten by Norway since 2000. Norway’s last H2H win on home soil came even further back in 1994.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Norway’s last eight internationals saw both teams score.
Norway haven’t lost in Oslo since March 2024 (W10, D3).
Only one of Denmark's last 11 UNL games was won by the away side on the day.
None of Denmark’s last nine goals in completed games arrived before half-time.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Norway’s Antonio Nusa may take time to grow into the match having seen four of his last five international goals serve as the second of the game. The national side has never lost when Nusa has scored (W7, D1). Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is in line to become an international centurion over this break - six of his last seven Denmark strikes served to open the scoring, while the team has also never lost when he scored (W9, D2).
Alexander Sørloth is a big-name absentee from the Norway squad, while Denmark’s William Osula misses out through injury.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Norway’s inferior H2H record may count for little here with such strong recent form, so backing a home win seems an obvious choice.
Author: Chris Wilson
