Spain looked to be scraping an unconvincing 1-0 win over Norway, but Joselu scored two late goals on his debut to change the game.
Joselu scored two late goals on his international debut as Spain opened Euro 2024 qualification with a 3-0 win over Norway at La Rosaleda in Luis de la Fuente’s first game in charge.
Spain were by no means impressive, with the Erling Haaland-less visitors missing some great chances, but Joselu repaid De la Fuente’s faith towards the end.
De la Fuente – named as Luis Enrique’s successor following his World Cup exit – named an unfamiliar-looking starting XI, but his side soon took the lead through Dani Olmo.
They kept Norway at bay thanks to excellent saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga and a big mistake from Alexandre Sorloth, and substitute Joselu punished them with two goals in as many minutes.
It took just 13 minutes for Spain to score the first goal of their new era, Olmo heading home Alejandro Balde’s cross.
Just before the half-hour mark, they needed a brilliant save from Kepa to stay in the lead, but goalkeeper Fredrik Aursnes turned over a blistering close-range volley.
Mikel Merino went close in similar circumstances a minute later, only for Orjan Nyland to curl the ball wide of the post.
Odds aside, Spain were second-best for significant periods and had another lucky escape early in the second half.
Marcus Pedersen’s goal-bound effort was crucially saved by Nacho Fernandez and Kepa got back to clear the ball off the line.
Sorloth then volleyed wide of the goal in the 80th minute and Spain took full advantage.
Joselu nodded in Fabian Ruiz’s cross from deep before slotting home from close range when Mikel Oyarzabal’s shot deflected into his path to cap off a night to remember for the Espanyol forward.
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