No Haaland as Spain beats Norway; Wales draws with Croatia

New faces dominated European Championship qualifying as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente swept aside Norway in his first game in charge and a Wales forward rescued a dramatic draw in his first international match. Best known until now for coaching Spain’s youth teams, Mr. De la Fuente didn’t have to deal with Norway’s striker Erling Haaland, who missed the game with a groin injury

New faces dominated European Championship qualifying as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente swept aside Norway in his first game in charge and a Wales forward rescued a dramatic draw in his first international match.

Best known until now for coaching Spain's youth teams, Mr. De la Fuente didn't have to deal with Norway's striker Erling Haaland, who missed the game with a groin injury on March 25. The 3-0 victory extended Spain's record of 23 consecutive home wins in qualifying games for the European Championship.

Spain was in control after Dani Olmo's 13th-minute opening goal but didn't close out the game until substitute Joselu scored twice in quick succession late on in his international debut.

For Norway, it was a frustrating reminder of the difference Mr. Haaland can make. The Manchester City striker has scored 21 times in 23 games for his country since his debut in 2019, but has now missed seven of Norway's last 15 games with various injury and fitness concerns.

In the other game in Group A, Scotland beat Cyprus 3-0 in coach Steve Clarke's first match since extending his contract through to the 2026 World Cup. Scotland is aiming to qualify for consecutive European Championships for the first time since 1996.

Scotland led by a single goal for most of the game after John McGinn scored in the 21st before Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored twice in the final minutes to ensure the win.

Nathan Broadhead had a dream debut for Wales as the substitute salvaged a 1-1 draw with a goal in stoppage time against World Cup semifinalist Croatia.