Euro 2024: A New Start for Spain Against Weakened Norway

Spain vs Norway

The road to Euro 2024 starts here for both Spain and Norway.

For Spain – champions of Europe in 2008 and 2012 – the Luis Enrique era is over. The national team never quite living up to their billing in major tournaments during his tenure, despite some splendid showings and a semi-final spot at Euro 2020.

For Norway, who have not actually qualified for a major tournament since the turn of the millennium, manager Stale Solbakken is attempting to build on the small progress he made during a World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them finish third in their group behind Netherlands and Turkey.

With the top two qualifying for next summer’s tournament – Scotland, Georgia and Cyprus are their other opponents in Group A – perhaps now is the time the Scandinavians can end that barren run.

Talking Points

Let us begin with the words of Jan Aage Fjortoft who remarked to The Athletic last week: “I think that Solbakken has to do one thing before we start our qualification. He has to go to the church and pray that Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland won’t get injured.”

Those comments from the former Norway international, who won 71 caps over a decade from 1986 were thought provoking because, just days later, the Manchester City frontman was ruled out.

He had reported for duty after scoring his sixth hat-trick and second in the space of four days in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final thrashing of Burnley, but was sent home from Norway’s Marbella training camp on Tuesday.

Time on his side, of course, but it’s a blow that – after being absent for some of the World Cup qualifying campaign – he will miss the start to Norway’s Euro 2024 bid.

Considering he has scored 42 goals in 37 appearances this season having shattered the previous record for most goals in a single season by a City player, a record which had been held by Tommy Johnson for 94 years, it’s a far from ideal start to Norway’s Group A programme.

Without him, Norway may find Euro 2024 highlights harder to come by. And while I feel if he is fit they can pip Scotland to secure second spot in the group, it is hard to see past Spain in this or the entire qualification period.

The hosts are eagerly anticipating the debut of new national team manager Luis De la Fuente with interest to see what his idea of play is.

Based on a mobile and interchangeable forward line, Enrique was always clear on his approach but de la Fuente is in his first senior job at the top level and reports suggest he is set on a more structured side.

De la Fuente has certainly rung the changes with just 11 members of the World Cup squad selected, meaning there are 15 new faces from those that travelled to Qatar.

Included are three uncapped players with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, David Garcia of Osasuna, and Espanyol’s Joselu rewarded for their strong club form.

La Roja will be missing Pedri and Gerard Moreno, after they pulled out of the squad, while goalkeeper Unai Simon was also left out due to injury.

My view of Spain remains they are only a prolific scorer away from having the potential to defeat all before them.

Despite that, I can only see victory in Andalucia and a winning start for the new man at the helm.

History

Overall, Norway have only ever beaten Spain once, but it was in their only tournament clash to date.

That came in their opening match of Euro 2000 when Nils Johan Semb’s tireless team earned the points in Rotterdam through a header from Steffen Iversen.

There have been two draws, including their most recent meeting in October 2019 in Oslo, when a last minute Josh King penalty earned the Norwegians a draw.

Spain have won their other five meetings, including in March of that year in a qualifier in Valencia when Rodrigo and King traded goals before Sergio Ramos fired the winner from the penalty spot for the Spaniards.

Betting Tip

No Haaland, no chance for Norway as far as I’m concerned.

The SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds agree with Spain priced 1X2 @ 1.36 and Norway out @ 6.40. Even the draw @ 4.40 seems unlikely.

Asian Handicap odds are similar with Spain available -1.50 @ 2.13 and Norway +1.00 @ 2.42.

For goals, over 2.75 @ 2.16 and total goal 4-6 @ 3.25 appeal to me far more than 0-1 @ 3.20 and 2-3 @ 1.86.

A 1-1 draw, like last time out, is available @ 9.25 with Correct Score. I think Spain will have a point to prove and I expect a winning start, including in the first half.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.