Netherlands vs Norway: Battle for automatic WC berth on the cards

Netherlands vs Norway: Battle for automatic WC berth on the cards - November 16

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Netherlands, Norway, UEFA, FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers

Top spot in group C is up for grabs as the Netherlands prepare to take on Norway in what could prove to be a game-changer.

Preview: Netherlands vs Norway

As things stand, the Netherlands are on top of Group C, having picked up 20 points from their first nine games. The Oranje, however, aren't through to the 2022 World Cup just yet. Both Turkey and Norway have 18 points each, meaning if Louis Van Gaal's men fail to beat Norway and Turkey expectedly beat Montenegro, the Netherlands could be facing a much unwanted path to the upcoming World Cup via the tricky play-off stages. With teams like Italy and Portugal already in that group, it's safe to say that the Netherlands would rather not take their chances there.

The Oranje suffered a shock result against Montenegro, as the Eastern European minnows managed to somehow score two goals in the last ten minutes of the game to effectively erase any gains Memphis Depay had provided thanks to his earlier brace. That draw now does make things a lot dicier for Van Gaal than he'd wanted, and the pressure will be on, especially given how disappointing the team have been over the past few years. Indeed, after finishing as runners up during the 2010 World Cup, the Oranje earned a solid third place finish four years later at the 2014 edition. However, they failed to qualify for 2018, and were unfortunately knocked out at the 2020 EURO tournament by the Czech Republic.

As for Norway, they definitely will be taking their chances as an automatic World Cup berth is definitely within grasp. Like the Netherlands, Stale Solbakken's men suffered a frustrating draw with another Eastern European minnow, as Latvia put in a stubbornly defensive performance to force a scoreless stalemate. The reverse meeting between the two sides finished as a one-all draw, but things have gotten a lot more complicated for the visitors due to the absence of key man Erling Haaland.

Norway haven't qualified for a World Cup in over 20 years. Their last appearance was at the 1998 edition in France, and even a win over the Netherlands may not be enough to secure an automatic berth, especially if Turkey, as many expect, do beat Montenegro. Still, the Lions have done quite well, with just six goals conceded thus far - making their defense the strongest in their group. Will that be enough to hold the Netherlands at bay and secure a vital win to qualify for their first World Cup in 24 years? Or will the Netherlands be able to do just enough to book their ticket to the event next year?

Team news: Netherlands vs Norway

Netherlands: No notable injuries or suspensions.

Norway: Erling Haaland is the biggest and most notable absence for the visitors, so his manager again will have to figure out what will be the strongest starting XI, especially in attack, for the task ahead.

Match facts: Netherlands vs Norway

The Netherlands have won four of their last five meetings with Norway (both friendly and competitive)
Indeed, the Oranje haven't lost to the Scandinavian side since September 1992