On October 14th, all eyes turn to Brann Stadion in Bergen as Norway hosts New Zealand in a vital International Friendly. While the fixture is set in a non-competitive context, it holds significant implications for both teams’ tactical adjustments and player development, particularly as Norway continues their electrifying unbeaten run in 2025. Ståle Solbakken’s side has emerged as an attacking powerhouse, whereas Darren Bazeley’s New Zealand look to rebound from recent setbacks and test themselves against top-tier European opposition.
Key player Erling Braut Haaland, back in Norway’s lineup, has delivered a statement with his recent hat-trick against Israel, underlining his status as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. On the other side, New Zealand’s veteran defender Winston Reid shoulders the responsibility of organizing a defense that must withstand relentless Norwegian pressure. In midfield, Patrick Berg is expected to dictate tempo and provide balance for Norway, while Sarpreet Singh offers New Zealand crucial creativity and ball retention in transition.
Last time out, Norway stunned Israel 5-0 – a commanding display that showcased their offensive depth, with Haaland’s hat-trick and Antonio Nusa’s two assists leading the charge. The “Hot stat”: Norway has scored at least three goals in four of their last five matches, a testament to their forward line’s dominance and tactical fluidity.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Friendly 2025 (October Phase) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 14.10.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
🏅Best bets for Norway vs New Zealand at Thunderpick with a Welcome offer +100% up to 600€💰
Norway vs New Zealand prediction
The best value prediction for this match is a Norway win with a significant margin, coupled with over 2.5 goals. Norway’s current nine-game winning streak, flawless 2025 campaign, and recent 5-0 demolition of Israel position them as overwhelming favorites, especially at home. New Zealand come in on the back of a 0-1 loss to Poland and have struggled defensively when faced with organized sides that apply constant pressure. The disparity in offensive production and recent form makes Norway -2.5 Asian Handicap a compelling value.
Tactically, Norway’s 3-4-2-1 system brings wide overloads and vertical penetration, supported by midfielders who excel in ball progression and winning second balls. Sander Berge and Patrick Berg command space and tempo, while Nusa and Sørloth offer direct support to Haaland. New Zealand, typically in a 4-2-3-1, seek solidity but their low possession rates, high interception requirements, and difficulty containing dynamic transitions were exposed against Australia and Poland. Norway has committed an average of 10 fouls per match and remain disciplined with minimal yellow cards, maintaining aggressive yet controlled pressing. New Zealand’s discipline and defensive cohesion will be stressed as Norway’s possession and direct style produce high shot-volume and goal opportunities.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Norway -2.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Norway’s last match was a statement of intent: a 5-0 victory over Israel, marked by explosiveness from their forward line and clinical finishing. Haaland’s trebble, combined with Nusa’s incisive assists, highlighted a side brimming with confidence and tactical clarity. In their previous five matches, Norway have outscored opponents 21-1, recording clean sheets against both Italy and Finland. Their pressing game (averaging seven interceptions and 16 shots per match) creates frequent transitions and relentless attacking phases. The discipline (no yellow or red cards in recent matches) points to organized aggression rather than recklessness, keeping them fully loaded for each contest.
New Zealand, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to a tactically astute Poland. Despite efforts from the midfield, their inability to generate meaningful shots or threaten in the attacking third was glaring. Over their last five matches, New Zealand’s form fluctuated, but defensive vulnerabilities have come to the fore — especially against higher-ranked, possession-oriented teams. The 1-3 and 0-1 losses to Australia echo a side struggling for cohesion in both buildup and defensive structure. Coach Darren Bazeley’s pragmatic approach has yet to yield the desired solidity.
🚨Read our full Norway vs New Zealand stats for more analysis.

New Zealand. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Norway the favourite
- Moneyline Norway 1.20 | New Zealand 10.20
- Draw 6.20
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.57 | Under 2.5 2.30
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.85 | No 1.41
These odds underscore Norway’s overwhelming favoritism, reflecting their masterful current form and firepower. The low price on Norway to win (1.20 average), high margin on -2.5 Asian Handicap, and the “No” on both teams to score pointedly highlight the expected one-sided nature of the encounter. New Zealand’s high odds signal bookmakers have little faith in their upset potential, justified by their timid attacking stats and defensive woes of late.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Possible Starting Lineups
Norway possible starting eleven

- GK: Ørjan Nyland
- DF: Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjörn Heggem
- MF: Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa
- FW: Alexander Sørloth, Erling Braut Haaland, Jörgen Strand Larsen
Norway will likely stick to their tried and trusted 3-4-2-1, offering flexibility in both wide and central channels. Haaland is the obvious talisman, with Sørloth and Nusa providing complementary movement and creativity in support. Sander Berge and Patrick Berg anchor the midfield, bringing transition control and tactical security. The chosen backline has the athleticism and ball-handling skills to support high pressing, while Nyland’s reliability in goal gives further confidence. Watch for Antonio Nusa who, after supplying two assists last time out, is primed to be a key attacking outlet.
New Zealand possible starting eleven

- GK: Oli Sail
- DF: Liberato Cacace, Winston Reid, Michael Boxall, Niko Kirwan
- MF: Joe Bell, Matthew Garbett, Sarpreet Singh, Clayton Lewis, Elijah Just
- FW: Chris Wood
New Zealand are likely to continue with a 4-2-3-1, entrusting Winston Reid to marshal the backline and Chris Wood to lead the attack. Sarpreet Singh offers the creative spark in midfield, flanked by industrious wide men like Elijah Just and Clayton Lewis. The double pivot of Bell and Garbett will attempt to control transitions and shield the defense, but expect Bazeley’s men to operate with caution, prioritizing compactness in the face of Norway’s dynamic forward movement.
Best football betting sites and Bonuses
| 🏆Betting site | 💰Welcome offer | 🤑Promo code |
|---|---|---|
| WinSpirit | Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$; 25% Freebet | TIPS.GG |
| Thunderpick | Welcome offer +100% up to 600€ | TIPSGG |
| GG.bet | Freebet up to 50USD | TIPSGG |
| N1Bet | Welcome offer 120% up to 600$ | TIPSGG |
| Stake | 200% promo code bonus up to 500$ | TIPSGG |

Norway. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Looking at the momentum, tactical clarity, and squad quality, Norway winning by at least three remains my main pick. Haaland’s form, alongside the depth of creators in Solbakken’s 3-4-2-1, renders New Zealand’s rearguard a likely target for continued Norwegian dominance. While New Zealand’s talent and discipline can occasionally frustrate, the gulf in attacking threat and recent results make an upset highly improbable. I expect Norway to control this contest in every phase, with a clean sheet a probable outcome.

