Joselu #12 of Spain celebrates after scoring the team's second goal in an Euro 2024 qualifier against Norway in Malaga, Spain, March 25, 2023. /CFP
Joselu #12 of Spain celebrates after scoring the team's second goal in an Euro 2024 qualifier against Norway in Malaga, Spain, March 25, 2023. /CFP
Spain beat Norway 3-0 in a promising start under new manager Luis de la Fuente in the Euro 2024 Group A qualifier on Saturday.
Late substitute Joselu contributed a double on his international debut, after Dani Olmo gave Spain a lead in the 13th minute, flicking the ball in after being set up by defender Alejandro Balde.
Norway tried to respond two minutes later when Martin Odegaard's strike was blocked by Nacho. They could have levelled before the half-hour mark through Fredrik Aursnes but Spain's keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, returning for his first cap since October 2020, showed quick reflexes to parry the ball.
Spain next face Scotland, and Norway will play against Georgia.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Scotland outclassed Cyprus 3-0, Switzerland beat Belarus 5-0, Romania beat Andorra 2-0, and Türkiye took a 2-1 victory home from Armenia. Meanwhile, Israel against Kosovo and Wales against Croatia both ended 1-1.
(With input from AFP, Reuters)