Two former champions have reached the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when Japan faces Norway in a Round of 16 matchup in New Zealand on Saturday. Group C champion Japan, which won the 2011 World Cup and were runners-up to the United States in 2015, have gone 3-0 in the competition so far. Norway, meanwhile, nosed out New Zealand for second in Group A with both sporting a 1-1-1 mark. Norway advanced via goal differential with a plus-five compared to New Zealand being even.
Kickoff is set for 4 a.m. ET at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Japan are the -120 favorites (risk $120 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line in the latest Japan vs. Norway odds, with Norway the +325 underdogs. A draw is priced at +230 and the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. Before locking in any Norway vs. Japan picks, you need to see what SportsLine’s Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since last year’s World Cup, Green has been profitable in multiple areas on his soccer picks, including the Champions League (+4.78 units), the FA Cup (+3.07), the EFL Cup (+3.64), Euro 2024 qualifiers (+3.01) and the Europa League (+1.60).
Now, Green has taken a close look at the Japan vs. Norway match and locked in his Women’s World Cup predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Norway vs. Japan:
- Japan vs. Norway over/under: 2.5 goals
- Japan vs. Norway 90-minute money line: Japan -120, Norway +325, Draw +230
- Japan vs. Norway spread: Japan -0.5 (-115), Norway +0.5 (-115)
- JAP: Japan have advanced past the group stage in each of the past four World Cup tournaments
- NOR: Norway has one Women’s World Cup title, winning it all in 1995
- Japan vs. Norway picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back Japan
The Japanese have a number of scoring options, including forward Riko Ueki. Ueki has two goals this tournament, tallying against Zambia and Spain. The 24-year-old has 10 goals in 25 appearances for her national team. Domestically, she has been a member of Tokyo Verdy Beleza since 2016. In 98 matches, Ueki has registered 41 goals.
Forward Aoba Fujino has a goal and an assist in three appearances at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The 19-year-old has taken seven shots, including three on target. In 12 appearances for the national team, she has two goals. Professionally, she has played two seasons with Tokyo Verdy of the Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League in Japan. In 38 appearances, including tournaments, she has scored 21 goals. See picks at SportsLine.
Why you should back Norway
As a former champion, the Norwegians can be formidable as well. That was on display when they knew they needed to win big over the Philippines to advance, and did just that. Forward Sophie Roman Haug had a huge role in that win, scoring three times. In 10 appearances for her home country, the 24-year-old has scored eight goals.
Another offensive threat is forward Caroline Graham Hansen. The 28-year-old also scored in the win over the Philippines. In 101 appearances since 2011 for Norway, Hansen has registered 45 goals. As a member of Barcelona of Primera Iberdrola, she had 11 goals in 13 matches this past season. See picks at SportsLine.
How to make Norway vs. Japan picks
Green has broken down the Women’s World Cup match from every possible angle. He is leaning Over on total goals, and has identified two confident best bets. Head to SportsLine to see his analysis and top picks.
Who wins Japan vs. Norway, and where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to find out which wagers have all the value, all from the soccer expert who has been profitable in multiple areas since last year’s World Cup, and find out.