Georgia-Norway is a match from the second day of Group A of Euro 2024 qualifiers and is played on Tuesday at 18:00: predictions.
Georgia is one of the most eagerly-awaited selections in these qualifiers, both because they have just come back from a sensational Nations League and because of the explosion of their jewel Kvaratskhelia, a great protagonist in Italy and Europe with Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli.
There is great curiosity regarding the route the Caucasians could take in a group in which one of the two first places has essentially been booked by Spain, already winners on their debut against Norway. It is precisely the Scandinavians, together with the ever-insidious Scotland, who the national team coached by Frenchman Willy Sagnol will have to race against in order to nurture hopes of participating in the first international tournament in its history. On the first day, meanwhile, Georgia rested. Or rather, they prepared for the challenge with the Norwegians by playing a friendly against Mongolia: after surprisingly ending the first half in a draw, Sagnol’s men went wild in the second half, scoring five goals (it ended 6-1) despite the absence of Kvaratskhelia, who remained on the bench the whole time as a precaution. Instead, the phenomenal Napoli striker will be a starter in the eleven that will contest for a slice of qualification in Batumi against Norway, still without their star player Haaland.
Norway still without Haaland
The Manchester City striker is struggling with an injury and will also miss the Caucasian trip. Without his goals, Stale Solbakken’s selection struggles more and that is one of the reasons why Norway surrendered 3-0 to Spain in their opening match in an almost scoreless game.
Berge v Spain
In the three previous matches between these two selections it was always the Norwegians who came out on top, but the last one goes back a long way. It dates back to 1999, when current selector Solbakken was on the field. Norway have not participated in the final phase of a European Championship since 2000. And this, Scotland and Georgia permitting, seems to be the right opportunity for Haaland to put himself on the map at a major international event. Real Sociedad striker Sorloth will deputise for him, but Solbakken will also be able to count on Odegaard, who was in doubt after the game clash with Iberian Rodri.
The prediction
Norway remain superior to Georgia in terms of squad quality even without Haaland, but the Georgian away game harbours more than one pitfall. Kvaratskhelia and his teammates have made significant strides forward in recent years and are not beaten in this match, which could already be decisive for qualification. Both should score. A draw cannot be ruled out.
Georgia v Norway: line-ups
- GEORGIA (3-4-3): Mamardashvili; Kashia, Dvali, Kobakhidze; Lobzhanidze, Kvekveskiri, Aburjania, Gocholeishvili; Kvaratskhelia, Zivzivadze, Chakvetadze.
- NORWAY (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Strandberg, Meling; Odegaard, Berg, Aursnes; Berge, Sorloth, Elyounoussi.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
