Kazakhstan vs Norway Nations League Soccer Match Report: Norway Secures 2-1 Win
Match Summary
On June 9, 2023, the Kazakhstan national football team hosted Norway at the Astana Arena in Nur-Sultan for their Nations League Group B4 match. Norway emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win, securing their first victory in the tournament.
Kazakhstan started the game brightly and took an early lead through Baktiyar Zainutdinov's goal in the 21st minute. However, Norway responded quickly, with Erling Haaland equalizing just six minutes later. The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1.
The second half saw a more dominant Norway side. They controlled possession and created several chances. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Alexander Sørloth scored the winning goal, giving Norway a 2-1 lead. Kazakhstan pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but failed to find the back of the net, resulting in Norway claiming all three points.
Key Moments
- 21st minute: Kazakhstan takes the lead through Baktiyar Zainutdinov's goal.
- 27th minute: Erling Haaland equalizes for Norway.
- 69th minute: Alexander Sørloth scores the winning goal for Norway.
Player Ratings
Kazakhstan- Stas Pokatilov (GK): 6.5
- Nurlan Dairov: 6.0
- Serikzhan Muzhikov: 6.5
- Yan Vorogovskiy: 6.0
- Islambek Kuat: 6.5
- Baktiyar Zainutdinov: 7.0 (Goal)
- Ruslan Valiullin: 6.0
- Abat Aimbetov: 6.5
- Yerkebulan Tungyshbayev: 6.0
- Zhasurbek Zhayimbetov: 6.5
- Ramazan Orazov: 6.0
- Ørjan Nyland (GK): 7.0
- Birger Meling: 6.5
- Stefan Strandberg: 6.5
- Leo Østigård: 7.0
- Marcus Holmgren Pedersen: 6.5
- Martin Ødegaard: 7.5
- Sander Berge: 7.0
- Mohamed Elyounoussi: 7.0
- Erling Haaland: 8.0 (Goal)
- Alexander Sørloth: 7.5 (Winning Goal)
- Joshua King: 6.0
Tactical Analysis
Kazakhstan employed a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on quick counterattacks and set pieces. Norway, on the other hand, utilized a flexible 4-3-3 system, which allowed them to switch between possession-based play and direct attacks.
Norway's victory can be attributed to their superior technical quality and attacking prowess. They created more chances and took advantage of their opportunities. Kazakhstan, despite their early lead, struggled to maintain possession and create clear-cut chances throughout the match.
Conclusion
Norway's hard-fought victory over Kazakhstan gives them a much-needed boost in their Nations League campaign. They now have four points from three games and will look to continue their positive momentum in their upcoming fixtures. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, remains without a point after three matches and will need to improve their performance to avoid relegation to League C.
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