Spain – Norway: Spain Set Off On A Steady Footing (3-0)

Spain began their journey under a new leader with the same standard of expectation. The final score from his debut may give a false impression of ease, but it has laid a foundation for growth.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Spain's sorrow at the World Cup concluded the tenure of Luis Enrique at the end of last year. The manager resigned following an exit to Morocco, succumbing to the problems in both boxes that have dominated his time in the dugout. Luis de la Fuente, a piece of the furniture at the Spanish federation for most of the last ten years as manager of three youth teams, has stepped into the role. Qualification for EURO 2024 was his target, and he intended to make a blemish free first impression on home soil.

Ståle Solbakken was part of the last squad to partake in a tournament for Norway. His opponents in this fixture might be the outstanding favorites to finish top of the group, but the spot for the best of the rest is up for grabs. Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, the two standout figures in this outfit, have lit up the Premier League during the last eight months and could propel the nation to their first trip to the EUROs since 2000. A Spanish scalp on the road would constitute serious progress in that task.

Four members from the starting eleven from the last outing in Qatar took to the field . . .