Sergio Ramos scored a second-half penalty to help Spain beat a spirited Norway 2-1 on Saturday in its opening Euro 2020 qualifier, while teenage striker Moise Kean netted in Italy’s win over Finland.
Italy’s forward Moise Kean shoots to score against Finland
Madrid:
The 2010 World Cup winner has 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 said.
“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 was 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.
Juventus youngster Kean, 19, became the youngest striker to start for Italy in more than a century as Roberto Mancini’s men saw off Finland 2-0. Italy got off to a flying start in Udine, as Nicolo Barella gave it a seventh-minute lead with his maiden international goal.
The 22-year-old Cagliari midfielder hammered home a low volley after a free-kick was only half-cleared by the Finnish defence. The day belonged to Kean, though, as he slotted in the second with 16 minutes to play to mark his full debut in style.
Spain was not at its clinical best in Valencia, but got its Group F campaign off to a solid start despite Norway threatening an upset.
The 2010 World Cup winner has 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 said.
“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 was 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.
Juventus youngster Kean, 19, became the youngest striker to start for Italy in more than a century as Roberto Mancini’s men saw off Finland 2-0. Italy got off to a flying start in Udine, as Nicolo Barella gave it a seventh-minute lead with his maiden international goal.
The 22-year-old Cagliari midfielder hammered home a low volley after a free-kick was only half-cleared by the Finnish defence. The day belonged to Kean, though, as he slotted in the second with 16 minutes to play to mark his full debut in style.