Joselu scores debut double as Spain beat Norway in Euro 2024 qualfier

Joselu cam off the bench to score a debut double for Spaide la Fuente n against Norway to ensure Luis enjoyed a winning start to his reign as manager.

Dani Olmo had scored in the 13th minute as Spain opened its Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 3-0 victory at Malaga's La Rosaleda Stadium on Saturday.

Josulu became the first Spain player to score twice on his debut since Fernando Morientes in 1998 with goals in the 83rd and 85th minute.

“I still don’t believe it. I scored twice in my debut,” the Germany-born Espanyol striker said. “This is everything a player can ask for. Hard work has its rewards. I feel like an 18-year-old kid.”

The Norwegians were without key striker Erling Haaland who dropped out of the squad due to a groin injury his picked up during Manchester City's FA Cup win over Burnley.

And Spain were able to take full advantage and ensure they won a 23rd straight Euro qualifying win at home, although De la Fuente's side failed to put the game to bend until the last 10 minutes.

La Roja arrived with a squad overhauled by coach De la Fuente after he was promoted from Spain’s under-21 team to replace Luis Enrique who was sacked following the team’s elimination against Morocco in last-16 of the World Cup.

De la Fuente made it a priority to solve the scoring problems of a squad that managed only one win in Qatar after dominating possession in most games but failing to create many significant scoring opportunities.

Spain again struggled against Norway, though, and failed to make the most of their opportunities until Joselu's late strikes as the visitors played solidly from the start.

1 - Joselu Mato (32 years and 363 days) is the oldest player to score on his debut for Spain since Sep 2006, scoring his first goal