Overview
Norway have not been able to participate in any World Cup since 1998, while their last time participating in EURO was 2 years later. However, that long disappointing streak could be coming to an end.
A new generation of stars, led by Erling Haaland, who has increased his international goals to an astonishingly 48 goals in 45 matches, is helping Norway get closer than ever to a ticket to the finals next year.
Starting the qualifying campaign with 2 resounding victories, Stale Solbakken and his team also surprised experts when they defeated Italy 3-0 at home, thereby becoming the leading candidate for the top spot.
After a narrow victory over Estonia, Norway continued to show their destructive power when they crushed Moldova 11-1 in the most recent match. Haaland scored five and Thelo Aasgaard came on as a substitute to score a hat-trick.
Thanks to their superior goal difference, Norway is now 6 points ahead of Italy and Israel, although Azzurri still have a match left to play. At this time, the right to self-determination is almost in their hands.
After the match with Israel, Norway will have a home friendly match against New Zealand, before ending the qualifying campaign with two encounters with Estonia and Italy next month.
In third place in the rankings, Israel still have a chance to win at least one place in the play-off round, despite the disastrous stumble in September that made their journey more difficult than ever.
In the chaotic encounter with Italy, Israel took the lead twice and seemed to have arranged a 4-4 draw thanks to 2 late goals. However, Sandro Tonali scored the decisive goal in the extra time, completely changing the situation.
Israel is currently behind Italy in terms of goal difference and has played one more game. This means that if they just need another slip this month, their chances of reaching the World Cup could disappear.
Personnel situation
Norway captain Martin Odegaard continues to suffer from a knee injury, forcing him to miss both international matches this month.
Coach Stale Solbakken will also be without Leo Ostigard, who suffered a broken rib last weekend. However, Jorgen Strand Larsen could return to strengthen the home team's strong attack after being absent from the September training camp.
Usually brought on from the bench, Larsen took on the role of supporting the two main spearheads Haaland and Alexander Sorloth. The duo could be supported by Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb or Andreas Schjelderup if Solbakken continues to use the 4-3-3 formation.
On the other side of the front line, Israel's attack will likely be led by Tai Baribo or Dor Turgeman - who scored an honorary goal in the last minute of the first leg.
In addition, Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh could also feature, providing additional attacking options for the visitors.
After more than half a century of absence from the World Cup, Ran Ben Shimon and his team understand that only a perfect ending can save their hope.
In the first leg, Israel lost 2-4 when Haaland scored the fourth goal for Norway. This time, they are forced to find a way to create a big shock at Ullevaal if they want to continue their World Cup dream.
Expected lineup:
Norway: Nyland, Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan, Berg, Berge, Aasgard, Sorloth, Haaland, Schjelderup.
Israel: Skin. Peretz, Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, Revivo, Do. Peretz, E. Peretz, Biton, Gloukh, Solomon, Baribo.
The match between Norway and Israel takes place at 1:45 am on October 12 (Vietnam time).
