Norway Women v Belgium Women

The bookmakers aren't giving Belgium too much chance when they meet Norway on Thursday, but that feels a shade harsh on the improving side.

Belgium qualified as runners-up to England in Group 7, losing just once and scoring 27 goals in eight matches. Given what England are capable off (as they demonstrated against Scotland) that's no mean feat, and so it comes as a surprise to see them offered at 9/1 in this one.

Ranked 22nd in the world, Belgium will perhaps benefit from being able to base so close to home, and it will certainly feel like a home game for them. They've also got a decent record against sides of the sort of ability that Norway have. Looking at their results against sides ranked 5th-17th (6 places either side of Norway's 11th place in the rankings) they have managed three wins and four draws from 16 starts over the past three years. That run included a 3-2 win over Norway as well! 11 of those 16 matches saw both teams scoring.

Norway have a better record against sides of Belgium's quality - they are 12-4-9 against sides ranked 12th-32nd over the past three years, but one thing that stands out has been their difficulty shutting teams out. Of those 25 matches, 14 have seen both teams score, and they have kept just six clean sheets.

Belgium to win at 9/1 (Bet365)

Both Teams to Score at 5/4 (Betway)

Belgium to Score 2+ Goals at 5/1 (Bet365)

#Football