This prediction market topic focuses on secondary betting markets for the international friendly soccer match between the national teams of Norway and Switzerland, scheduled for March 31 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Unlike standard match outcome bets, 'more markets' refers to a wide array of proposition bets, including but not limited to the number of corners, total goals, exact score, first goalscorer, player to receive a card, and half-time/full-time results. These markets allow bettors to wager on specific events within the game rather than just the final result. The match is part of the March 2024 FIFA international window, where national teams play preparation games ahead of major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2024. Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024, while Switzerland secured its place, making this friendly a tactical exercise for the Swiss and a rebuilding opportunity for Norway. Interest in these markets stems from the detailed statistical analysis required. Bettors examine team form, player availability, historical head-to-head data, and playing styles to find value in specific propositions. The availability of numerous markets increases engagement for a match that otherwise lacks competitive stakes, turning a friendly into a complex analytical puzzle for sports bettors and prediction market participants. The timing, late in the European season, also introduces variables like player fatigue and squad rotation, adding layers of uncertainty that sophisticated market players attempt to navigate.

Historical Context

The football rivalry between Norway and Switzerland is moderate, defined by sporadic competitive meetings rather than intense historical contention. Their first official match was a friendly in 1911, which Switzerland won 2-1. In modern times, the most significant encounters occurred during qualification for major tournaments. They were drawn together in UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying, with Switzerland winning 2-1 in Oslo and the teams drawing 1-1 in Bern. This helped Switzerland qualify for its first major tournament in 28 years, while Norway failed to advance. They met again in the qualifiers for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with Norway winning 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 away. Norway qualified for that World Cup, its first since 1938, partly due to these results. The most recent competitive fixtures were in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League B. Norway won the home leg 1-0 in October 2020, and Switzerland won the return fixture 2-1 in November 2020. This pattern of closely contested matches, often with home advantage proving decisive, informs current betting models. The last friendly match between the sides was a 1-1 draw in March 2018. Historically, matches are typically low-scoring; 5 of their last 7 meetings have featured under 2.5 total goals.

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