Spain earn vital win over Norway in Euro 2020 qualifier

Spain battled past a determined defensive display by Norway as they ran out 2-1 winners at the Mestella to kick off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with goals curtsey of Rodrigo and a Sergio Ramos penalty.

Luis Enrique opted for home favourites Rodrigo and Dani Parejo in his side, with Jesus Navas preferred at right back. Norway boasted several well known talents in their squad, Josh King spearheaded the attack alongside Tarik Elyounoussi, with Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard occupying the right hand side of midfield.

Spain began the game showing why they were heavy favourites for the fixture, dominating possession and dragging the Norway side all over the pitch, who had  clearly setup to frustrate the home side. The first chance of the game was fashioned by Alvaro Morata, whose close range header was well saved by Hoffenheim shot-stopper Rune Jarstein.

Enrique’s men pressed relentlessly on the Norwegian backline. Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard was caught on the ball just outside his own area but Morata failed to capitalise as his cross towards Rodrigo was cut out the by the Kristoffer Ajer.

The former World Cup winners posed a heavy threat down both flanks with Jordi Alba and Jesus Navas impressing. Navas got himself into several good positions down the right hand side, delivering inch perfect crosses. But the six yard was box often vacant of any player in a red Spanish shirt.

Norway struggled to get a foothold on the ball, and were happy to play on the break with the pace of Josh King and Tarik Elyounoussi a potential threat to Sergio Ramos, who was on the end of a few rough challenged from Elyounoussi. But Spain finally got the breakthrough on 16 minutes, Alba making a fantastic run down the left to chip across goal, Rodrigo cushioned the ball left footed into the net via the ground. A popular goalscorer in the Mestella, who plys his trade for Valencia.

The Brazilian born striker nearly doubled his tally minutes later, flicking the ball at the front post off a Navas delivery but Jarstein made one of several key stops in the first half to prevent Spain running away with a lead.

In fact, Norway came within inches of equalising. Markus Henriksen got away from Alba down the left and crossed the ball to Elyounoussi, who with the goal at his mercy and just two yards out, managed to slice the ball backwards and into the safe hand of David De Gea.

Spain used the close call as a reality check. Morata wasted yet another chance before a delicious piece of football in the Norway penalty area forced a corner. Dani Parejo, another fan favourite at the Mestella, flicked the ball around the corner to Morata, who attempted to replicate the piece of skill and find Rodrigo but Ajer was there to clear the danger.

The second half saw Norway come out with some fire in their belly. Imposing a physical presence on the Spanish side which saw Tarik Elyounoussi and Stefan Johansen go into the book alongside Dani Cabellos of Spain. Odegaard and Elyounoussi were soon withdrawn. Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi, cousin of Tarik and Bjorn Johnsen replacing them on the pitch.

Ramos failed to capitalise on a huge chance to put Spain two ahead. The Real Madrid defender is currently the top scorer of the current Spain squad, but failed to extend that record in that moment.

Inigo Martinez was penalised by the referee for a push on Johnsen, awarding Norway the penalty and a golden chance to equalise. Bournemouth forward King stepped up and dispatched it comfortably into the bottom corner, beyond the outstretched arm of De Gea.

Spain immediately sought to regain a lead, with Alba crossing for Morata who found himself unmarked in the box, but he arrowed it high and wide of the post. Soon after, Morata raced through on goal before being scythed down by Jarstein. Sergio Ramos stepped up, stuttered his run and chipped the ball down the middle to restore the lead.

Spain knocked at the door multiple times but failed to truly threaten, Navas continued to roam down the right hand side and fed Rodrigo on several occasions, but the goalscorers decision making was questionable in the second half as he wasted the ball time after time.

Jarstein made his way into the penalty box for a last minute corner to Norway but to no avail, Ramos lead the defence well to ensure his side opened their European qualifying campaign with a win and against direct rivals for qualification.

Norway will take positives from their defensive display on the whole, but Enrique knows Spain have plenty of work to do at the top end of the pitch, with sterner tests to come if they are to win a major trophy again.