Iraq v Norway World Cup Prediction: 8/5 Norway to win with ease

Norway finally end their spell in the international wilderness and will be hoping their first tournament appearance in 26 years gets off to a winning start.

The Red, White and Blue haven't returned just to make up the numbers, with their talented squad expected to make some noise, despite a tough Group I draw.

There's much more to this Norway squad than Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard and the they are heavy favourites to see off Iraq in Boston.

Iraq v Norway Tips Summary

Best Bet - Over 3.5 goals @ 6/4
Alternative Bet - Norway -2 @ 8/5
Bet Builder - Antonio Nusa 2+ shots on target, Hussein Ali to be booked & Martin Odegaard 1+ tackles @ 14/1

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Iraq v Norway Prediction

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 6/4

Norway coach Stale Solbakken struggled to find the right approach across his first two qualifying campaigns, but they clicked in their World Cup pool. Led by Haaland, Norway scored 37 times across eight matches as they beat Italy to top spot.

Their campaign was ruthless and included an 11-1 hammering of Moldova. They aren't entirely secure at the other end of the pitch, having conceded in six of their last seven matches and failing to keep clean sheets against the likes of New Zealand, Estonia, and Sweden.

However, they more than make up for those issues with an impressive attacking trio. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth scored five goals in qualifying starting on the right of their front three, while RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa could be a breakout star.

Iraq's second World Cup appearance could get off to a rough start.

Norway hit new heights when they perfected the art of breaking teams down early, which allowed them to run up some big scorelines.

Iraq will struggle to deal with the technical ability of their opponent's midfield and Norway won't be shy about pouring forward.

With their qualifiers averaging 5.25 goals per game, over 3.5 appeals here.

Alternative Bet: Norway -2 @ 8/5

All but two of Norway's victories in qualifying came by a three-goal margin or higher. They beat Italy 7-1 on aggregate across their two meetings and this mismatch could lead to another heavy win for Solbakken's side. 

Norway put heavy emphasis on goal difference in qualifying and they'll look to do the same in a tournament where that could be decisive for progressing out of the group. 

Iraq suffered home and away defeats to South Korea in qualifying and this is an entirely different calibre of opposition.

With Haaland also potentially making a tilt for the Golden Boot in this clash, back Norway to clear a -2 handicap at 6/4.

Iraq v Norway Bet Builder Tip

• Antonio Nusa 2+ shots on target

• Hussein Ali to be booked

• Martin Odegaard 1+ tackles

  Pays 14/1

While Haaland will be the focus for many, Nusa has played a key role in Norway's progress. He scored in their home and away wins over Italy, while he was also on the scoresheet against Sweden in a warm-up clash earlier this month.

Nusa has eight goals for Norway and he should get a few chances in this contest. He took 21 shots in six games in qualifying, so back him for a couple of shots on target in this clash.

Nusa drew five fouls across Norway's clashes with the Azzurri and the winger was fouled 64 times for Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season.

He should be an entirely new test for Pogon Szczecin defender Hussein Ali. He was booked on six occasions in 16 games in Poland's top tier last season and he's set to take on the tough test of marking Nusa.

Finally, Arsenal's Odegaard has refined his game off the ball under Mikel Arteta. Norway have benefited from that, with their captain winning five tackles across five appearances in qualifying.

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Key Match Stats

• Norway scored 37 goals in their eight qualifiers, winning all eight

• Six of their eight wins came by a three-goal margin or greater

• Norway's qualifying matches averaged 5.25 goals per game

• Norway have failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven matches

• Iraq lost home and away to South Korea in qualifying

• Antonio Nusa drew 64 fouls for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.