Norway vs Wales Nations League qualifier scenarios, Digi Mart USA News (Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway): Norway’s Saturday match against Wales at Ullevaal is being described by VG as the decisive fixture ahead of the Nations League finale, overshadowing the subsequent trip to Denmark. VG cites NRK national team expert Kristoffer Løkberg, who says the Wales game is by far the most important, and that Norway’s key objective is to beat Wales and secure third place in the group.
According to the report, Norway would guarantee top seeding in the European Championship qualifying draw by finishing among the 12 best teams in the Nations League, which would be assured with a two-goal win over Wales. If Norway beat Wales by just one goal and the teams finish level on points, the overall goal difference would decide the group placement.
VG notes that the risk of simply finishing third is that Norway could end up in a relegation playoff against a group winner from League B, with Slovenia, Kosovo, Hungary and Bosnia currently mentioned as possible opponents. The European Championship qualifying groups are scheduled to be drawn in early December, with Norway expected to face four or five teams.
To reach the Nations League quarterfinals, Norway must finish ahead of both Denmark and Wales and place second in its group. According to the report, Norway is guaranteed second place behind Portugal if it beats Wales at Ullevaal and Denmark in Copenhagen the following week.
If Portugal beats Denmark on Saturday while Norway beats Wales, a draw in Copenhagen would be enough for Norway, as the teams would be level on seven points and Norway holds the head-to-head advantage over Denmark.
The Nations League playoffs begin with home-and-away quarterfinals in March, with a group winner drawn as the opponent for a group runner-up such as Norway. Semifinals and the final are scheduled for June.
VG quotes Løkberg saying that Norway could travel to Copenhagen with low expectations and everything to win, and that a Nations League quarterfinal would be welcome, but that qualifying for top seeding in the European Championship qualifiers is what matters most. National team manager Ståle Solbakken told VG that the goal is top seeding in the qualifiers, but that Norway will pursue second place in the Nations League group as long as there is a chance.
Asked whether the team would prioritize a two-goal win over Wales, Solbakken said that would be welcome but that winning is first and foremost.
