Football Bet of the Day: Big dogs to turn up in France vs Norway

Friday’s football action focuses on the World Cup once again, with a seismic clash between Norway and France set to decide who tops Group I. 

This one, kicking off at 3pm local, 8pm BST in Boston, takes our focus for Friday’s Football Bet of the Day. 

France vs Norway Odds

This has been the World Cup of the big dogs. All of the big stars have turned up with Lionel Messi topping the scoring charts, Harry Kane bagging twice and Cristiano Ronaldo claiming ‘he is back’ after a brace against Uzbekistan.

Vinicius Jr has also produced for Brazil, while Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have both been sensational, scoring four goals in two matches so far. That brings us to my Football Bet of the Day, which is arguably the most boring/sensible pick I’ve ever come up with. 

Norway and France have both picked up two wins from two, which means the winner of this tie wins the group and theoretically gets an easier route in the knockouts. I can’t call the winner of this fixture, even though France are the favourites, but there certainly should be goals. 

We’ve got two freaks up front for these two nations. Mbappe and Haaland have not only been on fire for their clubs, but have caught fire at this World Cup, scoring a brace in each of their fixtures so far. Mbappe has had 12 shots to Haaland’s 10, but both of them are averaging a goal every 45 minutes in what has been a wonderful tournament for the stars.

I don’t think either of these sides will approach this game in a defensive manner, and to be truthful, it doesn’t really matter with the quality of forward on show. Haaland scored 38 goals in 52 club games this season and is Norway’s record goalscorer with 59 international goals in 52 appearances. 

That’s a ridiculous record, while Mbappe has 60 goals in 100 France internationals, including 16 World Cup goals, taking him level with Miroslav Klose and just two goals behind Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring charts. 

He may just surpass Messi this year, but is almost certain to get that outright record before he hands up his boots. It’s easy to forget Mbappe is 27, and probably has two World Cups left in those legs. 

Anyway, back to Norway vs France - I expect the big guns to come out to play once more in what should be a thrilling watch at the top of Group I. I won’t back a winner, but instead think Mbappe and Haaland will both score at just over 3/1. 

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Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.