Published 13:16 IST, October 13th 2019
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Norway holds Spain's qualification with 1-1 draw
Norway drew Spain 1-1 with a late penalty by Joshua King to put a hold on their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2020. Spain will next face Sweden on October 16
In a dramatic finish, Norway drew Spain 1-1 to hold their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2020 on Saturday. Spain dominated almost the entire 90 minutes until Norway and Bournemouth striker, Joshua King's striking penalty found the back of the net to put hold on Spain's qualification. The match also saw Sergio Ramos surpass Iker Casillas to become Spain's most capped player. With the draw against Norway, Spain also lost their 100 per cent win record in group stages with their last draw coming against Iceland in September 2007. With 6 wins and a draw against Norway, Spain sits at the top of Group F with just one win away from qualifying.
King's dramatic equaliser
After a silent first half, Spain returned to the pitch with fiery spirits. In the 47th minute of the game, Saul's brilliant strike off Sergio Busquets assist from outside the box helped Spain net a goal and take lead in the match. Norway looked sharp to level up within seconds with Joshua King's header which bounced off wide of the post. With just one loss away from being out of the euro 2020, Norway put their best foot forward as Ole Selnaes was denied a worthy equaliser by Saul's brilliant block. On the other hand, Spain looked to double their lead with as Fabian Ruiz's long-range curler clipped off the crossbar. Just before King struck, Ruiz had another chance to strike but his low effort bounced off the base of the post. In the dying stages of the game, Spain's goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga put a rushing Elabdellaoui on ground which earned the Scandinavians a penalty. Joshua King then calmly hit past Kepa to put a bump ahead in Spain's road to Euro 2020.
Ramos to miss out against Malda
Post the game, Spain captain Sergio Ramos said, "It is definitely very difficult to play against a team that knew they were out of contention with just one loss. It's a real shame that we lost after coming so close." Spain will next face Sweden on October 16 who are fresh after a win against Malda and follow Spain in the group standings. The Red Fury will look to seal their spot in the Euro 2020 with a win but will miss their captain Sergio Ramos as he will not be playing due to card accumulation after picking up a yellow against Norway. Norway will next take on Romania on October 16.
Updated 14:08 IST, October 13th 2019