Norway enter the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup looking to regain past glory, but they could face a tricky test against co-host New Zealand on Thursday. The Norwegians were among the world's best teams when the Women's World Cup began in the 1990s, losing to the USWNT in the inaugural 1991 final before beating Germany to win the 1995 title. They also won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. Norway reached the quarterfinals in 2019, falling to Australia on penalties. New Zealand have never won a Women's World Cup match but they've qualified six times, including five in a row. The teams have met five times in competitive matches, with Norway winning four and losing one. The most recent meeting was a 1-0 victory at the 2008 Olympics.
Kickoff is set for 3 a.m. ET. Norway are -380 favorites (risk $380 to win $100) in the latest New Zealand vs. Norway odds from Caesars Sportsbook. New Zealand are +950 underdogs, a draw is priced at +420, and the over/under for total match goals is 2.5. Before locking in any Norway vs. New Zealand picks, you need to see the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup predictions and best bets from SportsLine soccer insider Jon Eimer.
Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. Since the end of last year's World Cup he has been red-hot, going 158-148-8 for a profit of $2,682 for $100 bettors. Anybody following him is way up.
Now, Eimer has broken down the New Zealand vs. Norway match from every angle and locked in his picks and Women's World Cup predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Norway vs. New Zealand:
- New Zealand vs. Norway spread: Norway -1.5 (-135)
- New Zealand vs. Norway over/under: 2.5 goals
- New Zealand vs. Norway money line: New Zealand +950, Norway -380, Draw +420
- NZ: The Football Ferns have been outscored 34-8 in 15 Women's World Cup matches
- NOR: Norway have a 93-52 goal advantage in their 40 Women's World Cup games
- New Zealand vs. Norway picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back Norway
The Grasshoppers are the superior team and have had success at the highest level. In addition to their Women's World Cup and Olympic success, they are two-time European champions (1987, 1993). Norway rank 11th in FIFA's women's world rankings, while New Zealand are 22nd. The Football Ferns have lost seven of their nine matches in 2023, their only victory a 2-0 triumph over Vietnam. Norway are 2-2-2 in their six matches this year, with losses to much better teams in Spain and Denmark.
The co-hosts have one clean sheet in going 0-3-12 all-time in the Women's World Cup. Norway have reached the knockout stage in seven of eight appearances, finishing in the top four four times. They should give the New Zealanders trouble with an attack paced by Caroline Graham Hansen (44 international goals) and Ada Hegerberg (43). Arsenal's Frida Maanum (11 goals) and Chelsea's Guro Reiten (17) lead an experienced midfield, and Maren Mjelde (165 caps) keeps things in check on the back end. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back New Zealand
The Football Ferns will have the majority of the crowd behind them, and getting off to a good start here is paramount. While Norway's attack is dangerous, their defense leaves a lot to be desired. The Norwegians have conceded 10 goals in their six matches in 2023, so an experienced New Zealand side could find some weaknesses. The co-hosts have eight players with at least 80 caps, three of those in the midfield, led by Tottenham Hotspur's Ria Percival, who has 15 goals in 163 matches.
Captain Ali Riley (154 caps), Katie Bowen (94) and Rebekah Stott (90) are seasoned defenders, and CJ Bott brings speed and skill from her right fullback spot. Hannah Wilkinson is the top scorer with 28 goals, and veteran midfielders Betsy Hassett and Annalie Longo have combined for 28. Manager Jitka Klimkova has been building for this moment, and the team has shown steady improvement since she took over in 2021. See which team to pick here.
How to make New Zealand vs. Norway picks
Eimer has broken down Thursday's New Zealand vs. Norway match from every angle. He has locked in two confident best bets, including one that offers a plus-money payout, plus his full breakdown of the Women's World Cup matchup. He's only sharing his 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup picks and analysis at SportsLine.
So who wins Norway vs. New Zealand in Thursday's FIFA Women's World Cup match, and where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the New Zealand vs. Norway match, all from the soccer expert who is up almost 27 units on his soccer picks since the 2022 World Cup, and find out.
