Great Britain - Norway predictions and free betting tips [20/05/2024]

Today the group stage match in the elite division of the Ice Hockey World Championship will kick off. International hockey fans are in for a thrilling clash between Great Britain and Norway.

Great Britain

The Great Britain team was among the best about 100 years ago, winning at the Olympics and the European Championship. A few years ago, Great Britain returned to the elite division and remained there for two years. Last year, Great Britain topped the First Division of the World Championship, surpassing their Polish rivals who finished second. Currently, Great Britain is likely to be relegated from the elite division of the World Championship. They have 0 points and sit in 8th position. In all their matches of the current World Championship, Great Britain has lost in regulation time. They played well against Canada, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic but were not utterly hopeless. The biggest failure for Great Britain in the 2024 World Championship came against Finland, with a devastating 8:0 defeat. Thus, Great Britain has no room for mistakes. Losing to Norway would mean preparing for a return to the First Division. 

Norway

The Norwegian team has been playing in the elite division of the World Championship for a long time, but without significant success. Last year, the Scandinavian team managed to meet the minimum goal of staying in the elite division. At the end of the group stage, Norway finished 7th, just ahead of Slovenia, who failed to score any points. In 2024, Norway continues to show mediocre results. Currently, Norway occupies 7th place in the standings, ahead of only Great Britain. The match against Denmark was the only successful one for Norway, with a 2:0 victory. In all other matches of the World Championship, Norway lost in regulation time. Initially, Norway was defeated by Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Finland. Subsequently, they lost twice in a row with a score of 4:1, succumbing to Canada and Austria. Therefore, Norway needs to win to secure their place in the elite. 

Head-to-Head

The teams of Great Britain and Norway have faced each other in 3 official matches. Norway triumphed in each of these encounters.

Prediction

Norway will win in regulation time. Throughout the current World Championship, Norway has shown better results and quality hockey, which gives them a good chance of retaining their elite status. Great Britain will put up a good fight, as they have done before, but their opponent will be serious and will leave them no chances for victory.