Norway 1-1 Spain
Spain were well on their way toward extending their perfect run in Euro 2020 qualifying to seven matches. They were 1-0 up on Norway heading into the stoppage time and were mere seconds away from another three points.
However, their perfect qualifying record finally came to an end in dramatic fashion after Norway were awarded a late penalty, which Josh King converted to give the hosts a share of the spoils.
As noted in the SBOBET preview of this match, Norway gave the Spaniards all they could handle in their first meeting, which was also settled with a penalty. And the Norwegians proved once again that they can play spoiler against a top side like Spain.
Highlights of the game
With teenage sensation Erling Braut Haaland out injured, Norway started Josh King as the lone striker with Martin Odegaard playing just behind him in the hole.
After a slow start to the match, it was King who had the first notable chance in the 22nd minute. The Bournemouth striker did well to win a header over two Spain defenders, but it was easily saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Spain responded almost immediately with their first effort on goal, but Saul Niguez’s strike was also quite tame and easy for Norway keeper Rune Jarstein to save.
Norway then had a great opportunity to open the scoring on 39 minutes. Ole Selnaes supplied a great ball for Omar Elabdellaoui right in the six-yard box. But the Norwegian winger’s touch took him too wide and his shot went straight at Kepa.
Fabian Ruiz tried his luck from distance just a few seconds later, and a deflection very nearly gave Norway some problems. On the ensuing corner, Saul’s near-post header sailed over the bar.
But Saul would make no mistake with his next chance as he put Spain in front two minutes into the second half. The Atletico Madrid midfielder expertly controlled the ball from the edge of the box to set himself up for a strike, which he executed beautifully.
While the ball did bounce just in front of him, Jarstein will be disappointed not to make the save after getting his hands on the ball.
Norway nearly struck back right away as King got on the end of a corner, but his header went just wide of the goal. Selnaes then had his shot blocked after some fine build-up play.
Spain captain Sergio Ramos, who made some history by becoming the most capped player in Spain’s history, very nearly cost his team as his misplaced pass sprung a Norway counter. King was able to get his shot off despite pressure from Dani Carvajal, but he couldn’t keep it on target.
Fabian Ruiz then had a chance to double Spain’s lead on the 89th minute, but his effort hit the outside of the post.
Little did everyone know how significant that would turn out to be as Norway equalised right at the death. While attempting to get on the end of a flick-on header, Elabdelloaui drew a penalty on Kepa, who clattered the Norwegian winger.
After allowing the play to continue for a possible advantage, referee Michael Oliver eventually pointed to the spot and gave Kepa a yellow card to boot.
Up stepped King to take the penalty, and he made no mistake as he sent Kepa the wrong way. The home crowd erupted in ecstasy as they became the first team to take points off the Spaniards in this qualifying campaign.
Key statistics
Unsurprisingly, Spain dominated possession, 62 per cent to 38. They also edged out the shot battle, 12-9. However, the Spanish strikers failed to fire as they missed the in-form Paco Alcacer. Mikel Oyarzabal didn’t have a single shot before getting subbed off, while Rodrigo had just one.
Instead, Saul was responsible for most of the team’s Euro 2020 highlights. The Atleti man led the team with five shots (two on target) while fellow midfielder Fabian had three.
Meanwhile, Ramos recorded his 168th international cap, pulling him one clear of former team-mate Iker Casillas for the most in Spanish football history.
What’s next?
Spain will stay in Scandinavia for their next Euro 2020 qualifying match as they take on Sweden in Stockholm. The Euro 2020 odds will once again favour the Spaniards, but much like Norway, Sweden have the ability to pose some problems.
The Swedes will head into that match with confidence after a 4-0 win away to Malta in their most recent qualifier.
Meanwhile, Norway are off to Bucharest to face Romania, who are currently three points ahead of them for third in Group F. The Romanians rallied from two goals down to earn a draw with Norway back in their first meeting in June.
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