Norway Faces New Zealand in International Friendly Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Oslo, Norway — Norway will meet New Zealand in an international friendly match at Ullevaal Stadion on Tuesday, October 14, as both teams prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Norway has already qualified, while New Zealand will be looking to break a four-match losing streak.

Norway is currently leading Group I with a perfect record of five wins and no losses in UEFA qualifying. The team has gained momentum under head coach Ståle Solbakken, highlighted by their incredible scoring run of 36 goals in nine games. Star forward Erling Haaland is expected to play a pivotal role in the match.

However, the Norwegian side will miss the leadership of captain Martin Ødegaard due to injury. Despite his absence, Haaland’s presence is seen as a significant advantage for Norway. He has been instrumental in the team’s strong performance and is looking to secure another victory at home.

On the other side, New Zealand, known as the All Whites, is currently in a challenging position, placed at the bottom of their table. Their last victory was a 1-0 win against Ivory Coast in a friendly earlier this year, but since then, they have struggled, losing matches against Ukraine, Australia, and Poland.

New Zealand’s head coach Darren Bazeley aims to rally his players as they seek to overcome recent setbacks. They are making adjustments to their lineup due to injuries, with a focus on revitalizing their approach for upcoming fixtures.

The friendly match will kick off at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET. Fans in the United States can watch the game through various streaming services.

This match presents an opportunity for both teams to refine their strategies before the competitive seasons resume. Expect a thrilling game as the teams vie for momentum.