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PARIS. — Sergio Ramos scored a second-half penalty to help Spain beat a spirited Norway 2-1 on Saturday in their opening Euro 2020 football qualifier, while teenage striker Moise Kean netted in Italy’s win over Finland.
Spain were not at their clinical best in Valencia, but got their Group F campaign off to a solid start despite Norway threatening an upset.
The 2010 World Cup winners have been unpredictable of late, having been dumped out by Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup and then missing out on the Nations League finals after a home loss to England.
“The team responded well to their equaliser. You always have the dream and aim of achieving something important,” Ramos told Spanish television channel TVE.
“We’re in a new stage with a coach who has a fantastic style of play. We’ll take things game by game. We’ll pick up more confidence from winning.”
Coach Luis Enrique named an attacking line-up, with Marco Asensio, Alvaro Morata and Rodrigo all starting, and it was the latter who volleyed home the opener from Jordi Alba’s cross in the 16th minute.
Winger Jesus Navas created several other early chances for his teammates on his first Spain appearance since March 2014, but Rodrigo headed over and Morata was denied by away goalkeeper Rune Jarstein.
Norway started to grow into the game and were handed a chance to draw level in the 65th minute when Inigo Martinez grabbed Bjorn Johnsen, and Bournemouth striker Joshua King stepped up to slot past David de Gea.
Spain wasted little time in getting their noses back in front, though, as Jarstein felled Morata to concede a 71st-minute penalty. — AFP.
Online Reporter