2023-10-14 14:27:54
Norwegian striker Haaland, Spanish striker Morata DR
Sunday (8:45 p.m.), La Roja travels to Northern Europe to challenge the Norwegians still in the race for qualification.
In a group where the astonishing Scots have taken the lead (with a match in advance), Luis de la Fuente’s men would be well advised to win. The Norwegians will play their best, since they would be eliminated in the event of defeat.
Also readQualifications. Euro 2024: the group rankings
Alvaro Morata, captain courage
The Spanish striker, who has traveled all over Europe, does not enjoy an excellent reputation among our Iberian neighbors. He is criticized for a certain inefficiency in front of goal, often offside positioning, and even sometimes a mercenary mentality. But what matters is the opinion of his coaches, like Diego Simeone who, at Atletico Madrid, places his trust in him. He also recently declared, after a double from his player against Real Madrid: “He had an extraordinary match […], we need this Morata. He is an important player, both for the Spanish national team and for Atlético de Madrid. And the one who is now the captain of La Roja returns this confidence since he has scored 7 goals in 9 matches for the Colchoneros this season this season. And Thursday evening against a compact Scottish block, it was again he who broke the deadlock with a magnificent diving header, bringing his total to four goals in four matches during these qualifiers. The captain’s armband suits him well, and he will hope to lead his troops to victory on Sunday.
The Spanish environment, reasons for hope
Since the planetary coronation in 2010 and the European one in 2012, La Roja has suffered from its glorious past. Wanting to continue in the tradition of the famous tiki-taka of the time, by imposing a game of possession on their opponents, the Spaniards experienced successive failures. Eliminated from the groups in 2014, then in the round of 16 in 2016, 2018 and 2022… Busquets’ international retirement after the 2022 World Cup was the ideal opportunity to definitively turn the page and launch the Spanish golden youth. Pedri, Gavi, Nico… as it has often done, FC Barcelona is the official supplier of talent for the selection. All of this, accompanied by the experience of Rodri, Merino and company, could make a seductive cocktail. Against Scotland, the Spanish midfielder sometimes had difficulty finding gaps in the opposing defense but still showed his talent in certain sequences. Facing Norway and in the desire to launch a dynamic with the Euro in their sights, the Spanish midfield could be a centerpiece of future performances, whether good or bad.
A talented Norwegian generation
It would be a mistake to think that this meeting will be a walk in the park for the Spaniards. Firstly because for Norway, it will be a final since any other result than a victory would eliminate them. But also because the Scandinavians have a great team, with a golden generation who dreams of competing in an international competition for the national team. We obviously think of Erling Haaland, author of a double against Cyprus on Thursday evening (4-1 victory) which brings his total to 27 goals in 27 selections. But the Manchester City scorer is not alone…
He is even particularly well surrounded. His league opponent, Arsenal playmaker and captain Martin Odegaard, is quite a complementary asset. If he does not have as much success in the selection as in the club, he still regularly gives offerings to his attackers. Finally, the executioner of Rennes in the Europa League, Alexander Sorloth, is also a major asset for the Northerners. At home, the Norwegians will not want to see their European dream end.
#perilous #journey #Norway #Spain