Spain are in Glasgow preparing for their second qualification game for the 2024 European Championships, looking to build on their positive start to the campaign under new coach Luis de la Fuente.
Two late goals from debutant Joselu and an opening goal from Dani Olmo saw Spain ease to a 3-0 win against Norway on Saturday night, in a game where, despite the final score, the result was in doubt until Joselu scored his goals just minutes after coming on for his debut.
The Espanyol striker, who celebrates his 33rd birthday on Monday, had been on the pitch just three minutes when he scored Spain’s second goal in the 83rd minute of the game, and he rounded off a dream debut with a close-range finish two minutes later.
While Joselu captured the headlines on Saturday, other players also performed well in a Spain side that had seven changes from the one which lost 1-0 to Morocco in the World Cup four months ago.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made two important saves on his return to the international team after four years in the wilderness, while Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino gave Spain energy and directness that had been missing in the World Cup campaign, where the team were criticized for relying on sterile possession without creating chances.
Real Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez will also be happy with a solid return in central defense, while Barca youngster Alejandro Balde performed well at left-back.
With little time between games, de la Fuente could make some changes against a Scotland side that won 3-0 in Cyprus on Saturday, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Ceballos, who came into the game as second-half substitutes, both in with a chance of starting.
Ceballos could give Spain more possession, because although they were more direct against Norway, they did allow their rivals chances to level the score on Saturday.
Inigo Martinez could also start if De la Fuente opts to make changes in defense, with Nacho moving to right-back after Dani Carvajal looked to be Spain’s weak link at times on Saturday.
The mood was generally positive for De la Fuente after Saturday’s game, and another win in Scotland would put Spain well on the way to qualification and give confidence in a low-profile coach an important boost.
