Spain‘s late substitute Joselu struck two quick-fire targets on his debut to seal a 3-0 win over Norway of their first Euro 2024 Group A qualifier on Saturday as they received off to a promising begin below new supervisor Luis de la Fuente.
Spain, who’ve gained their final 23 European dwelling qualifiers, took the lead within the thirteenth minute by Dani Olmo, who flicked the ball into the underside nook with the surface of his boot after being arrange by defender Alejandro Balde.
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Norway tried to reply two minutes later when Martin Odegaard’s strike was blocked by Nacho, who returned to the Spain crew after a close to five-year absence.
Striker Alvaro Morata was near doubling their lead within the twenty fifth however the newly-appointed Spain captain was seconds late to latch onto a low cross by Olmo.
Norway might have levelled simply earlier than the half-hour mark with a robust first-time shot by Fredrik Aursnes however Spain keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, returning for his first cap since October 2020, confirmed fast reflexes to parry the ball.
Spain, rebuilding with 61-year-old De la Fuente following a last-16 World Cup exit to eventual semifinalists Morocco, continued to press as they had been much less targeted on possession and rather more on going straight for the opposing objective.
This proved sufficient in opposition to a motivated Norway aspect who nonetheless lacked chunk up entrance within the absence of the injured Erling Haaland and spurned a number of extra probabilities together with from Marcus Pedersen and Alexander Sorloth within the second half.
Spain might solely calm down nevertheless once they doubled their lead within the 84th minute as striker Joselu nodded in an excellent cross by midfielder Fabian Ruiz three minutes after approaching.
The 32-year-old struck once more a minute later to make it 3-0 for the Euro 2020 semifinalists from a rebound.
He grew to become the primary Spain participant to attain twice on his debut since Fernando Morientes’ double in opposition to Sweden in 1998.
“I’ve to thank [the coach] for the religion he is proven in me in his first match in cost. I attempted to offer my all to reward him,” Joselu mentioned.
“Proper now I really feel like an 18-year-old child once more. I do not assume age issues — and that is an unimaginable day to show that.”
De la Fuente, who beforehand managed Spain youth groups and noticed them win Beneath-19 and Beneath-21 European Championships in 2015 and 2019, was comfortable together with his aspect’s show.
“Moreover, the perspective I’ve seen, the will to win, makes me very optimistic,” he mentioned.
Spain subsequent face Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday when Norway journey to Georgia.