Spanish gamers celebrated their 3-0 win over Norway within the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers (AP Photo)
Spain defeated Norway 3-0 in Erling Haaland’s absence whereas Nathan Broadhead’s final gasp purpose secured a draw for Wales towards Croatia
Spain gained 3-0 towards a Norway facet lacking the injured Erling Haaland within the opening spherical of Euro 2024 qualifiers Saturday, whereas Wales snatched a stoppage-time equaliser to frustrate Croatia.
Dani Olmo turned in Alejandro Balde’s pushed low cross on 13 minutes in Malaga and Joselu scored twice on his Spain debut to give new coach Luis de la Fuente a victory in his first match in cost.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga pulled off a superb reflex cease to deny Fredrik Aursnes and clawed one other effort off the road on his first begin for Spain since October 2020.
Alexander Sorloth then volleyed large earlier than Espanyol striker Joselu got here off the bench and bagged a quick-fire double — heading in his first and sweeping house a rebound for the second.
“I nonetheless can’t imagine it,” stated the 32-year-old Joselu, the primary Spain participant to web twice on his worldwide debut since Fernando Morientes in 1998.
“For any player this is just the best thing that can happen. It’s the reward for all the daily work.”
Three-time European champions Spain subsequent go to Scotland, who noticed off Cyprus 3-0 of their Group A opener after Scott McTominay scored twice late on instead at Hampden Park.
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Cyprus completed with 10 males after Nicholas Ioannou was despatched off for a second yellow in added time.
“It’s a extremely good begin however now we have to try to again it up on Tuesday towards the Spanish,” said Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
Norway, who haven’t played at a major tournament since Euro 2000, will again be without Manchester City striker Haaland for next week’s trip to Georgia because of a groin problem.
– Unlikely Welsh hero –
Croatia, finalists and semi-finalists at the past two World Cups conceded a last-gasp equaliser to kick off Group D as Wales debutant Nathan Broadhead tapped home a flick-on from a long throw.
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“I got a bit overwhelmed to be honest, a bit emotional,” Broadhead, who performs for third-tier Ipswich, instructed S4C. “I’ve been ready for this second for therefore lengthy.
“We wanted a degree, we got here right here to try to win however to get a degree is nice as effectively.”
Andrej Kramaric’s low shot from just outside the area had given Croatia the lead in Split against a Wales team beginning life after the retirement of their record goalscorer and captain Gareth Bale.
Luka Modric won his 163rd cap for Croatia, who have never lost a home European Championship qualifier — a run now spanning 36 matches dating back to 1994.
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Turkey came from behind to defeat Armenia 2-1 in Yerevan as efforts from Orkun Kokcu and Kerem Akturkoglu cancelled out an early own goal by former Liverpool defender Ozan Kabak.
Renato Steffen scored a first-half hat-trick as Switzerland thrashed Belarus 5-0 in a game played behind closed doors in Serbia.
UEFA has banned Belarus from playing at home due to the country’s support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni, on his second international appearance, added goals in the second half as Switzerland powered top of Group I.
Dennis Man and Denis Alibec were on target as Romania eased to a 2-0 win away to 10-man Andorra, while Israel drew 1-1 at home to Kosovo.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
