Norway Euro 2012 betting

Norway are so far proving themselves a surprise package of the European Championship Qualifying stages. In the race to win a place at Poland/Ukraine 2012, the Norwegian side lead Portugal and Denmark (amongst others) in Group H, two points ahead of the second placed Portuguese having played a game less. Managed by Egil Olsen, who is set to be replaced after the tournament, the team are three games into their campaign they have won every game, including a vital home clash against Portugal. Two away wins against the remaining sides Iceland and Cyprus leave the side looking in a strong position to at least achieve top two. Even considering their start to the group games, Olsen’s side are second favourites behind inconsistent Portugal to top the group and can be backed at 3.4 on Betfair to come out on top come the end of the qualifying period.

So, what of their prospects if they do make it to the 2012 Euros? Looking at their squad, they have a lack of quality across the side. With Steffen Iversen in the squad for their friendly against Croatia in October 2010, the striker now 34 and at struggling English Championship side Crystal Palace, it is clear the team is a little threadbare.

Norway Euro 2012 odds

Star names like John Carew and John Arne Riise are beginning the twilight of their careers, and it will need a massive effort in qualifying and beyond if they are to have any effect on the tournament. Their most recent squad for the friendly against The Republic of Ireland included nine players from the Norwegian League, and players from the likes of Le Mans, Heerenveen and Real Sociedad. Without being too dismissive of these clubs or leagues, it’s clear to most fans that they are not the sides to carry international heavyweights.

The weight of expectancy is therefore on their bigger names. These players themselves are not superstars of the modern game. Captain Brede Hangeland could easily swap relegation fights at Fulham to Champions League football elsewhere, but chooses to stay loyal. Morten Gamst Pedersen is another at a lower level English Premier Division club in Blackburn Rovers, but does have the quality to threaten international defences.

Norway Euro 2012 best bets

Qualification would be a major achievement for the side, and from then on in they would need a weak group in Poland/Ukraine to avoid being the whipping boys at the tournament. With their better players getting close to retirement, this could be their last major tournament for awhile, but making it there would be a task well fulfilled.