Hungary – Norway

After claiming a surprising 1-0 win in Oslo, Hungary will try to finish the job at home in this Euro 2016 playoff tie and reach a final tournament for the first time in 30 years.

Hungary was fortunate to win in Norway, as they were obviously the second best team in that match, but they deserve credit for protecting that early advantage. After a rather uninspiring qualifying campaign, in which they only defeated Faroe and Finland (all wins by just 1 goal), Hungary is now incredibly close to a massive performance, despite the general lack of talent and quality in the squad. The ability to protect draws and defend reasonably well has got Hungary in this position.

Norway`s young, exuberant team helped them play a pretty good qualifying campaign, but today`s visitors paid the price of not having experienced players on the pitch in the first leg. Some of Norway`s chance should have really been converted, but they were not and now the young Norwegians find themselves having a mountain to climb in order to qualify. They can do it, as they showed they can play excellent football in these qualifiers, but they will need to be at the top of their game today and finish off their chances if they want to reach Euro 2016.

Bet on Hungary vs. Norway with the highest Euro 2016 playoffs odds at 1xBet.com.

Team news & lineups:

Zoltan Gera’s suspension will be a big blow for Hungary, but the hosts get back experienced defender Roland Juhasz. Norway will not be able to count on Adama Diomande.

Hungary: Kiraly – Fiola, Juhasz, Kadar, Lang – Pinter, Elek – Nemeth, Lovrencsics, Dzsudzsak – Szalai

Norway: Nyland – Elabdellaoui, Hovland, Forren, Aleesami – Johansen, Tettey – Skjelbred, Henriksen, Berget – Soderlund

I have to admit I never expected Hungary to win in Oslo, but truth to be told, Norway was much more dangerous in the first leg – holding about 60% possession and making a hero out of Gabor Kiraly. They proved to be the better team, but luck was not on their side and the youth / lack of experience also showed. It will be tougher away from home for the Norwegians, but I still believe they have what it takes to qualify.

Getting a win won`t be easy, as Hungary, for all its faults, is able to hold out for draws against better sides. But if Norway plays its game and executes, they should be able to edge this My tip is Norway to win with a +0 asian handicap. Hungary will certainly play for the draw here, so the bet holds little risk as far as I`m concerned, while also having an excellent potential return of investment if Norway manages to translate its superiority on the scoreboard. The under also looks like a good choice, but the odds are too low. Pick Norway with the dead ball here. Prediction: Hungary – Norway 0-1 (Norway to qualify in extra time).

Pick: Norway (+0 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.96 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.68
Event date: 15 November