(Football news) When the teams faced off in the rematch seven months ago, Spain prevailed 3-0 in Malaga, giving them the advantage. Following three losses in their first three Euro 2024 qualifiers, Norway has won their last three, including two triumphs over Cyprus that followed victories over Georgia.
On Wednesday, the Lions easily defeated Cyprus 4-0 on the road. On his 50th international game, Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring, and in the second half, Erling Haaland (2) and Fredrik Aursnes also found the net.
With two points behind Sunday’s opponents Spain, who have a game in hand, Stale Solbakken’s team is presently sitting third in Group A as they look to qualify for their first European Championships since 2000 with 10 points from six games.
Norway’s only victory over Spain in their nine prior meetings came in the Euro 2000 group stage, though they were unable to advance to the knockout stages. This Sunday, they take on La Roja, and a victory would keep them in the running to finish in the top two of Group A in the Euro 2024 qualifying.
FIFA has the Lions ranked 43rd in the world. They aim to make it to four games in all competitions and continue their winning home run for the first time since a run of seven straight home wins from September 2017 to October 2018.
After suffering an unexpected 2-0 loss to Scotland on the road seven months prior, Spain exacted revenge on the Tartan Army on Wednesday by winning all three points in Seville by the same score.
Spain captain Morata gave the home team the lead in the 73rd minute, and Sancet sealed the victory four minutes from time after coming off the bench to score on his debut for his country. Scotland’s McTominay had a spectacular free kick on the hour mark controversially disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Spain has astonishingly extended their unbroken run in home qualifiers for both the World Cup and the Euros to 49 games. This run, which began in June 2006 and has consisted of 44 wins and 5 draws, has also seen them keep 18 clean sheets in their past 23 games.
All of that will ultimately mean nothing, though, as they take against a revitalized Norway team in Oslo on Sunday. Luis de la Fuente’s team needs to win to secure a top-two finish in Group A in order to secure a spot in the German tournament the following year.
As long as Spain wins both of their final two qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus, the lowest two teams, they can afford to lose to Norway. However, La Roja will be eager to win on Sunday and unseat Scotland from their position atop Group A.
However, only one of Spain’s previous four away Euro qualifiers—a 1-1 draw in Norway in October 2019—has been won, so victory on Sunday is not assured.
Also read: Italy set to play Malta in the Euro Qualifiers
