Football
Moldova vs Norway Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: March 22, 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:00 (UK Time) Venue: Zimbru Stadium SportsBoom previews the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group I match between Moldova and Norway at the Zimbru Stadium on Saturday, 22 March 2025. As the match draws closer, it’s essential to prepare wisely. Our expert preview offers all the necessary stats and insights, helping you place calculated bets with confidence at the best football betting sites.
The team of Norway pose for the photo//Getty Images
Norway’s attack spearheaded by Erling Haaland and captained by the creative genius Martin Odegaard set their sights on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after narrowly missing out in 2022.
SportsBoom provides well-researched football betting tips and predictions on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as well as the UEFA Nations League taking place this weekend.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
NORWAY ARE SHORT-PRICED FAVOURITES
HOME: 1200/100 (13.00) – 0,8%
DRAW: 500/100 (6.00) – 16,7%
AWAY: 22/100 (1.22) – 82%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings
15/01/14: Norway 2-1 Moldova (International friendly)
08/09/07: Moldova 0-1 Norway
06/09/06: Norway 2-0 Moldova
08/10/05: Norway 1-0 Moldova
30/03/05: Moldova 0-0 Norway
MOLDOVA: CURRENT FORM – DWLWW
Moldova manager Serghei Clescenco has an uphill task trying to qualify from this group but will take confidence from recent victories over fellow minnows. The Tricolours come into the clash with six wins from their last 10 matches over the likes of Andorra, San Marino, Malta, Cyprus and Cayman Islands.
The 151st-ranked nation lost nine of their 10 qualifying matches leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leaving a lot of room for improvement. The hosts are yet to score against Norway in a competitive match after four games, only finding the back of the net in a friendly match, back in 2014.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Virgiliu Postolachi: The 188cm tall striker plying his trade at CFR Cluj in Romania is the biggest goal threat for the hosts, scoring the winner against Andorra when the national team was last assembled.
- Vadim Rata: Moldova’s captain is a constant in the heart of midfield, his main objective being to protect his defenders.
- Mihail Caimacov: The NK Slaven Belupo midfielder last scored for his nation in the win against Malta – one of the better players during attacking transitions.
MOLDOVA TEAM NEWS
Moldova has a fully fit squad without any notable absentees for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Estonia.
NORWAY: CURRENT FORM – WWLWW
Norway has produced a few of the world’s best forwards that unfortunately missed the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In the prime of their careers, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard aim to book Norway’s ticket to the USA for the next tournament.
The Drillos last qualified in 1994 and 1998, however, with exceptional talent coming to the forefront, topping this group is surely on the cards. Norway have been superb in recent matches, having put Slovenia (1-4) and Kazakhstan (5-0) to the sword without Odegaard, who was sidelined with a back injury.
On home soil, coach Stale Solbakken’s troops are unbeaten in five games including four wins, scoring 14 goals in the process. Nine of those 14 goals (64%) have been scored by Haaland.
Although on their travels, Norway has failed to have the same impact, winning just once in five matches. They shared the spoils against Scotland (3-3) and Kazakhstan (0-0), while suffering defeats away in Denmark (3-1) and Austria (5-1). They did, however, come away with victory (1-4) in their most recent away match against Slovenia.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Martin Odegaard: Arsenal’s talisman has the ability to dictate football matches and create goal-scoring opportunities at will. Odegaard has been a class above the rest during his club’s quest for their first UEFA Champions League title. Consistently playing at a high level every week, Odegaard will look to convert his club form into success for his nation.
- Erling Haaland: Manchester City haven’t had the best season by their high standards, however, Haaland did his part by scoring 21 goals from the 28 Premier League matches he started. Tallying seven goals in six games during Norway’s UEFA Nations League campaign, expect Haaland to keep scoring.
- Alexander Sorloth: The Atletico Madrid striker has only started nine La Liga games but has scored 11 goals, including a host of cameo appearances off the bench. Sorloth is a massive threat to any defence, using his 194cm frame to bully opposition defenders alongside Haaland.
NORWAY TEAM NEWS
Another Norwegian plying his trade in the English Premier League, striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has withdrawn from the squad due to a fracture in his hand. The Wolves forward will be the biggest absentee for the upcoming matches against Moldova and Israel.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Moldova; 3-5-2: Celeadnic; Craciun, Baboglo, Mudrac; Platica, Caimacov, Rata, Moțpan, Reabciuk; Nicolaescu, Postolachi.
Norway; 4-4-2: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Hanche-Olsen, Moller Wolfe; Berge, Hauge, Berg, Odegaard; Haaland, Sorloth.
SUGGESTED BETS
Enjoy a broad spectrum of betting opportunities, coupled with welcome bonuses to maximize the potential of your first deposit.
Anytime Goalscorer – Erling Haaland: The obvious choice would be backing Haaland to score, regardless of the short price. (23/100 with Betway) (22/100 with Stake) (23/100 with BetWinner)
Norway To Score in Both Halves - Yes: Moldova’s defence will not be able to contain the firepower at Norway’s disposal, making this an excellent choice. (96/100 with Betway) (97/100 with Stake) (95/100 with Betfred)
First Goalscorer – Erling Haaland: Haaland to score within the first 20 minutes is the most likely outcome on any football pitch. (100/100 with Betway) (97/100 with Stake) (99/100 with BetWinner)
VALUE BETS
Norway Total (Total 2.5) Over 2.5 Goals: Norway has scored three goals or more in three of the past four games, making this another great selection. (120/100 with Betway) (121/100 with Stake) (119/100 with 1Win)
Norway To Win Both Halves - Yes: In search of value, Norway to take an early first-half lead and finish strongly with goals during the second half seems the best bet. (155/100 with Betway) (153/100 with Stake) (155/100 with BetWinner)
Both Halves Over 1.5 Goals - Yes: Using the same reasoning, we dive into this option at a lucrative price. (370/100 with Betway) (368/100 with Stake) (369/100 with 1xBet)
PREDICTION: NORWAY TO WIN
Norway is expected to put Moldova to the sword, scoring more than three goals with the likes of Haaland, Odegaard and Sorloth proving to be too much firepower for the minnows to handle. This is the best crop of players Norway have produced in recent years, full of confidence to make their claim at the next FIFA World Cup.
For those exploring markets for this game, check out the top online betting sites that could help find the best odds available.
Bryan is a passionate sports writer with a focus on football and cricket. While he loves top leagues like the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Premier League, he also covers lesser-known leagues, offering previews and tips for sports betting sites.
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