In the EURO 2020 qualifying campaign, coach Enrique only kept a few key players such as center back Sergio Ramos, midfielder Sergio Busquets, defender Jordi Alba and goalkeeper David De Gea. Therefore, the opportunity was given to many young players as well as newcomers such as Dani Ceballos; Rodrigo, Marco Asensio.
Although they are new factors, in terms of strength, Spain is still rated much higher than Norway. With home advantage and superior squad quality, Spain dominated Norway right after the opening whistle. Under great pressure from La Roja, coach Large Lagerback's team was forced to play deep, playing with a very low formation and a large defense.
Spain controlled the game but had difficulty approaching the Norwegian goal in the face of the opponent's cramped defensive play. After a number of missed opportunities, La Roja opened the scoring in the 16th minute. After a smooth combination with Asensio, Jordi Alba escaped down the wing before sending a pass into the penalty area for Rodrigo Moreno. With no one to watch him fiercely, the Valencia striker quickly kicked the ball into the Norwegian net, scoring to help La Roja take a 1-0 lead.
With a goal, Spain played more excitedly and created many opportunities to score. However, the misfortune caused Morata to miss at least 3 chances that could be converted into goals, especially the header from close range in the 33rd minute after Pajero's accurate free kick. In addition, Asensio or the player who opened the score, Rodrigo also had opportunities but could not take advantage.
Entering the second half, La Roja continued to pressure Norway in the second half but had difficulty in overwhelming goalkeeper Rune Jarstein. The situation went badly for Spain in the 64th minute, Inigo Martinez made a foul in the penalty area, causing the home team to be awarded a penalty. On the 11m mark, Joshua King beat David de Gea, scoring a 1-1 draw for Norway.
exactly 6 minutes after Joshua King scored, it was Spain's turn to receive a penalty after Morata was knocked down by goalkeeper Rune Jarstein in the penalty area. On the 11m mark, Sergio Ramos successfully kicked a Panenka penalty, scoring to help La Roja take a 2-1 lead.
Continuing to pressure Norway in the remaining minutes after Ramos' goal, Spain could not score more goals. Struggling to overcome Norway at home, coach Luis Enrique's team had their first victory in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Also in Group F, Sweden defeated Romania with a score of 2-1. Similarly, Malta beat the Faroe Islands with a score of 2-1.
