Spain (National Football)

Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique are reportedly among the players included on Spain's pre-list squad ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this summer.

Each team competing in the Summer Games' football event is allowed three players over the age of 23, and Ramon Fuentes of Sport wrote that the trio of veterans are in the running to compete as things stand.

Spain under-21 manager Luis de la Fuente will coach the team in Japan, where Iniesta has played for the past two seasons with J1 League outfit Vissel Kobe.

The Barcelona legend—who also has two caps for Catalonia—retired from international football following Spain's nightmare round-of-16 penalty-shootout defeat to Russia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

The report added Manchester City midfielder David Silva—who also announced his retirement from the national team following the last World Cup—has also been included on De la Fuente's pre-list.

Real Madrid defender Ramos has stated his interest in playing a part in the Olympic squad, and Pique told Cadena SER (h/t Goal's Sean Wilson) in October that he'd be open to joining his fellow centre-back.

The Barcelona stalwart—who retired from Spain duty in 2018 but has since added to his caps for Catalonia—said: "You never know, you never know. In life, you don't have to discard anything. I've never ruled out anything in life. It can happen. Why not? I don't like to close the doors on anything."

Ramos has won 170 caps for La Roja, more than any other player to have represented the national team. Former Real team-mate David Beckham sent congratulations when Ramos broke Iker Casillas' previous record of 167 caps in a meeting with England, via Sky Sports.

Spain have won a single gold medal for football at the Olympics, winning the 1992 competition with a squad that included incumbent Spain coach Luis Enrique and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The former midfielders were 22 and 21 at the time, respectively.

At least one of Iniesta, Ramos, Pique or Silva will not make the final list. The football tournament at Tokyo 2020 is scheduled to run from July 22 to August 8, meaning some of those selected could be delayed in starting their 2020-21 club campaigns.  

Former Spain manager Roberto Moreno has released a statement following the return of Luis Enrique and his departure from the team, thanking the players, media and backroom staff but admitting the ordeal is "bitter-sweet."

Marca published the full statement, in which Moreno made it clear he decided to stand down, as he's a man of his word:

"I have a clear conscience. It's impossible to thank everyone, but I [want to] say that I sincerely respect everyone and their opinions. I've always been a man of my word, that I wouldn't stand in Luis Enrique's way if he decided to return to coach. This is what I've done even though I've taken my exit. I wish him all the best because his joys will be ours.

"Thank you to all the players for their dedication and taking part in all the training camps. I've tried to be fair, honourable and direct with them. I wanted to help them develop their task on the pitch in the best way possible.

"I want to point out that it wouldn't have been possible for me to develop this task without Luis Enrique, Rafel [Pol], Joaquin and Jesus [Casas]. I'm not losing a backroom staff, I'm leaving behind friends. Without forgetting the assistants, very important people in the team and they never get enough recognition.

[…]

"My experience with the national team started and finished in the same way, with a bitter-sweet feeling. It's about looking forward and facing new challenges as a coach in my passion, football. I'm ready to confront the challenge of leading new projects."

Per the Guardian's Sid Lowe, Moreno was Enrique's assistant when the former Barcelona boss left his post to care for his daughter. She was diagnosed with bone cancer and later died.

He guided the team to an undefeated record in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, culminating in a 5-0 win over Romania on Monday. But after the match he left the stadium in tears, and neither he nor his players spoke to the press.

He had previously said he would return to his role of assistant, Marca (h/t Football Espana). Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales didn't back him publicly when rumours of Enrique's return started to spread, however, and Moreno was not happy with how the situation was handled, per Lowe.

AS' Robbie Dunne felt for the departing coach:

Spain’s manager position has changed hands in the weirdest, most sensational and saddest ways possible in recent years. https://t.co/GYPhWofwVf

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) November 19, 2019

The London Evening Standard's Ben Hayward noted Rubiales' tenure has been rocky, and he wondered why Enrique's return was rushed through like this:

Nobody would have objected to Luis Enrique returning after all he has been through.

Moreno even said at his unveiling that he would step aside if LE wanted to come back. And he meant it.

But this wasn't the way to go about it...

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) November 18, 2019

Also not ideal for Luis Enrique to come back like this.

Turns what should have been a happy return into something already broken, toxic even.

Perhaps not his fault it has been handled as it has, but Moreno was his friend.

And what was the rush anyway?

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) November 18, 2019

In his statement, Moreno made it clear he's already looking forward to a new project, and his strong work with La Roja should position him well to land a top job.

He's just 42 years old but has a ton of experience at big clubs, following Enrique as an assistant to AS Roma and Barcelona.

Real Betis and Celta Vigo have both endured nightmare starts to the season and could look for a new coach soon. Moreno already worked with the Galicians as an assistant.

The ambitious Betis team invested in the likes of Nabil Fekir and Borja Iglesias in the summer, and that could soon become one of the most desirable jobs in football.

Luis Enrique has been reappointed Spain manager five months after he stepped down from the role, taking over from former assistant Robert Moreno. 

Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales addressed the media on Tuesday and confirmed Enrique would return to his old position, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Rubiales at presser "Today we can confirm that Luis Enrique is returning to his job."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 19, 2019

Rubiales explained it was the departing Moreno who informed the RFEF of Enrique's desire to come back following his absence, and that the new coach will have full authority to appoint his own support staff:

Rubiales at presser: "We want to thank Robert Moreno for his work, he did very well, and we are very happy with what he did. But I repeat that Robert Moreno told us he'd spoken with Luis Enrique, who had told him he wanted to return. We found out thru Moreno that LE wanted back."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 19, 2019

Rubiales on if Robert Moreno going to continue in any role... "Luis Enrique can choose his own staff"

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 19, 2019

Former Barcelona and Celta Vigo coach Enrique, 49, left the post in June to care for his then-ill daughter Xana, who died at the age of nine of osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Moreno, 42, took over the team midway through qualification for UEFA Euro 2020 and guided Spain to a first-place finish in Group F, ending with an unbeaten record of eight wins and two draws. The first four results in qualifying (all victories) came while Enrique was still in charge. 

Spain completed their Group F campaign with a 5-0 hammering of Romania at the Wanda Metropolitano on Monday. The Guardian's Sid Lowe wrote that Moreno—who previously served as Enrique's assistant—was in tears following the victory, and neither he nor Spain's players addressed the media after the game.

Moreno said in September that he would "step to the side" in the event Enrique wished to return to the Spain hot seat, per Marca (h/t Football Espana).

It was expected Moreno would resume his role as Spain's assistant manager. However, Lowe wrote "the way it was finally managed appears to have made that impossible," suggesting Moreno felt the situation was mishandled.

Moreno also previously served as Enrique's assistant coach throughout his spells at Celta (2013-14) and Barcelona (2014-17), having taken up his first senior management position as Spain boss.

His unbeaten record with the national team seems likely to attract attention in terms of prospective positions elsewhere.

Enrique replaced Fernando Hierro as Spain manager in July last year following the 2018 FIFA World Cup, winning eight games and losing twice before he officially stepped down from the position. His only defeats in the role came against England and Croatia in the UEFA Nations League (both 3-2 losses).

Spain have changed manager five times since 2010 World Cup-winning coach Vicente del Bosque stepped down in June 2016, but they'll hope Enrique can map their way back to the top in time for Euro 2020.

Spain beat Romania 5-0 in their final UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and advanced as unbeaten Group F winners.  

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain an eighth-minute lead as the hosts pummelled Romania in the opening exchanges.

Gerard Moreno netted a second after 33 minutes and grabbed his brace two minutes before half-time.

Adrian Rus' own goal on the stroke of half-time ended a miserable first half for Romania, and Spain cantered through the game after the interval to collect three points.

Mikel Oyarzabal added his name to the scoresheet in stoppage time to complete a perfect night for the group winners.

The Spanish were quickly into their stride in the opening moments, and they raided the Romanian penalty area, with Santi Cazorla hitting the woodwork and Jose Gaya having a goal ruled out after a foul.

Spain continued to apply severe pressure and were rewarded when Fabian Ruiz stabbed the ball over the goal line for his first international goal.

Football writer Dermot Corrigan highlighted Spain's aggressive full-backs:

1-0 Spain. Handy enough finish from close range for Fabian, after one full-back Gaya crossed for other full-back Carvajal to have shot. Pushing the fullbacks forward definitely a Moreno plan [like most previous Spain coaches in fairness]

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 18, 2019

Romania almost responded with an immediate equaliser, but George Puscas' effort was denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The hosts quickly resumed normal service, and the contest was almost exclusively played by Spain in the final third of the pitch.

A rare attack saw the Romanians denied a penalty when Dani Carvajal appeared to foul Florinel Coman just inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

Gerard doubled Spain's lead when the striker expertly guided his header into the bottom corner past stopper Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Cazorla was the creator, and it was the midfielder's cross that set up his Villarreal team-mate.

The game was all but over shortly before the interval when an excellent Spanish move was finished off by Gerard once again, and the ball was in the net for a fourth seconds later after an own goal by Rus, compounding Romanian misery. 

Spain had 77 per cent possession in the first half, and the impressive scoreline was fully deserved.

The second half was a drab affair, and Romania had little to offer with the game beyond their reach.

Spain passed the ball around to run down the clock and hold possession, but substitute Oyarzabal combined with Sergio Busquets and fired home from the edge of the box at the death.

The fifth was unexpected as the contest meandered to an end, but Spain appear to be hitting top form before Euro 2020.

Spain will play their final UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, hosting Romania in Group F.

Caesars have handed Spain odds of -750 (wager $750 to win $100), while Romania sport odds of +1,850. A draw comes in at +730.

La Roja have already qualified for Euro 2020, and Romania can no longer catch Sweden in the race for second place. Kick-off will be at 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in via Sky Sports (UK) and ESPN3 (U.S.).

   

Spain beat Romania 2-1 in the first meeting between these teams as part of their unbeaten run through Group F. In nine outings, La Roja have seven wins and two draws.

Their most recent outing was a dominant showing against Malta, a 7-0 win that featured seven different scorers, including several who got their first tallies for the national team:

⚽️ Morata
⚽️ Cazorla
⚽️ Torres
⚽️ Sarabia
⚽️ Olmo
⚽️ Moreno
⚽️ Navas

SEVEN different players have scored in the same match for the first time in Spain’s history pic.twitter.com/Mqwi3Rtv5g

— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) November 15, 2019

More playing time for some of the fresher faces seems likely against Romania, with little other than an unbeaten record on the line. Roma's Pau Lopez could get the nod in goal, while in defence, Villarreal's Pau Torres seems likely to see more minutes after his debut goal against Malta.

Dinamo Zagreb's Dani Olmo also got a debut goal on Friday and is arguably the most intriguing of the new internationals. Unlike most Spanish talents, he took the unusual step of moving abroad to a smaller league in search of regular playing time, and he is now one of the hottest names on the transfer market, per Josep Capdevila of Sport.

None of the goals were celebrated as hard as veteran Santi Cazorla's, however. The 34-year-old has rejuvenated his career at Villarreal after a lengthy battle with injuries:

Santi Cazorla has scored his first Spain goal since his return from injury 🙌

His last goal for his country came four years and two days ago 🇪🇸

What a story ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Oau2ngWE3V

— GOAL (@goal) November 15, 2019

Romania have had a solid qualifying campaign, winning four of their nine matches. They were never expected to challenge Spain or Sweden and could finish ahead of Norway with an upset win in Madrid.

They, too, are likely to turn to some of their youngsters, calling up several potential stars for the future in Alexandru Cicaldau, Razvan Marin, Tudor Baluta and George Puscas.

The latter made a bright start to life at Reading but has scored just one Championship goal since August. A strong showing against Spain would be a welcome momentum boost for the 23-year-old ahead of the busy festive period.

Prediction: Spain 3-1 Romania  

Spain hammered Malta 7-0 in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying on Friday at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza in Cadiz. 

Alvaro Morata sent the hosts on their way to victory with the opening goal after 23 minutes. The Atletico Madrid striker latched on to a header across goal and tapped home from close range.

Spain doubled their lead four minutes before half-time. Santi Cazorla coolly finished off a neat team move with a clinical strike to net his first international goal for four years.

The hosts then ran riot in the second half to seal an emphatic win. Substitutes Pau Torres and Dani Olmo both grabbed debut goals, while Pablo Sarabia curled a fine effort over the goalkeeper and into the top corner.

Gerard Moreno tapped into an empty net from a Juan Bernat cross to make it 6-0 before Jesus Navas rifled home the seventh late on to seal victory in style. 

Spain boss Robert Moreno made six changes to his starting XI with qualification already assured. Cazorla, Sarabia and Morata returned to the line-up while Sergio Ramos won his 169th Spain cap:

Spain cap 169 for Sergio Ramos 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/qa2Fm47j23

— GOAL (@goal) November 15, 2019

The hosts dominated the game from the kick-off and went close to an opener on 16 minutes. Sarabia and Thiago combined to set up Bernat, but his header lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Spain did not have to wait too much longer for the opening goal as Morata broke the deadlock midway through the first half. The Atletico Madrid striker finished from close range after Moreno had flicked on a corner:

🇪🇸 Álvaro Morata has 7 goals in his last 7 games for club & country 🔥#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/gkocEm2pbt

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) November 15, 2019

Ramos almost doubled Spain's lead within minutes of the restart with a header that was cleared off the line by Bonella, while Moreno did get the ball in the back of the net but was denied by the offside flag.

Spain had to wait until the 41st minute to grab their second of the night. Moreno laid the ball off to Cazorla to beat his defender and squeeze a shot just inside the post from the edge of the penalty area:

Santi Cazorla has scored his first goal for Spain since 2015 in a friendly against England.

Welcome back Santi. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PJQrq2xgLV

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 15, 2019

Moreno then spurned a fine chance to make it 3-0 just before half-time. Sarabia crossed for the Villarreal striker at the far post, but he could only fire wide when well-placed

Spain turned on the style after the break as they cruised to victory. Torres scored a debut goal just minutes after replacing Ramos. The Villarreal defender chested home from close range on 62 minutes.

The hosts did not have to wait long for their fourth. Sarabia grabbed the goal his performance merited with a fine finish into the top corner a minute later.

Olmo also grabbed a debut goal within minutes of arriving as a replacement for Morata. Thiago slotted the ball through to the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder to round Bonello and finish from a tight angle:

⚽ - Pau Torres (1 minute) and Dani Olmo (3 minutes) both score on their debut for @SeFutbol . They were the only players in the current squad waiting for their first cap #ESPMAL #EURO2020

— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) November 15, 2019

Moreno tapped home Spain's sixth of the night from Bernat's cross to crown a fine evening for the Villarreal striker who also ended up with three assists.

There was still time for more goals from a rampant Spain team. Thiago played a short corner to Jesus, who was lurking just outside the box, and his shot flew past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

Paco Alcacer and Sarabia had further chances to score in the closing minutes as Spain secured top spot in Group F with a game to spare.

    

What's Next?

Spain complete their qualifying campaign on Monday against Romania at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, while Malta play their final fixture against Norway in Ta'Qali.

Spain manager Robert Moreno has asked for backing from fans and said there are some who want to see him fail in the job. 

Moreno, 42, succeeded Luis Enrique as Spain boss in June after the former Barcelona manager stepped aside for personal reasons before his nine-year-old daughter died of bone cancer:

🇪🇸 @SeFutbol manager Luis Enrique has stepped down for personal reasons, leaving his assistant Robert Moreno in charge until #EURO2020. pic.twitter.com/B5xIYICHYe

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 19, 2019

He oversaw victories against Romania and Faroe Islands in his first two games in charge, but Spain could only earn back-to-back draws against Norway and Sweden in their recent UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Despite the two draws in Scandinavia, La Roja have managed to book their spot at Euro 2020 with two games to spare in Group F.

Moreno has said he must be supported as Spain manager no matter what people think of his ability to do the job, per Jose Felix Diaz of Marca:

"People who may have doubts about me, have to end up backing [me]. As much as they like me or not, I am the coach and it is what it is. It is sad to think that there are people who don't want me to do well. It's nice to be able to add good moments and turn around those critics. I would like people to join the team when the Euros arrive in Bilbao and help us in the bad times."

Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Sweden in Stockholm, which came courtesy of Rodrigo's stoppage-time equaliser, confirmed Spain's spot in next summer's Europe-wide tournament:

The moment Rodrigo sent Spain to Euro 2020 with a 92nd-minute equaliser 💯 pic.twitter.com/33bNv5rUUw

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 15, 2019

Moreno described qualification as "an obligation," and he dedicated the achievement to Enrique and his family. 

Marcus Berg's 50th-minute goal looked to have earned Sweden a win at the Friends Arena on Tuesday, but Rodrigo's close-range finish got Spain the draw they needed.

Spain have two qualifiers left to play, against Malta and Romania at home next month.

They need just a point from those games to ensure they take top spot in Group F.

Since winning consecutive major tournaments at Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012, Spain have endured a fairly miserable run on the biggest stage.

They were eliminated at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, and then in the first knockout round at both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. 

Moreno is the man charged with getting Spain back into contention for major silverware, and he has got his first job done by securing qualification. 

Rodrigo's 92nd-minute equaliser sent Spain to UEFA Euro 2020, after La Roja came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Sweden in a qualifier in Group F at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday night.

Marcus Berg's 50th-minute goal looked like enough for the hosts on a night when Spain lost Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to injury in the second half. However, the visitors got the breakthrough they needed when Valencia frontman Rodrigo met a corner from Fabian Ruiz in stoppage time.

With Spain only needing to avoid defeat to qualify, it was no surprise Sweden played with a greater sense of urgency. The home side manufactured several excellent chances during the first half, with Robin Quaison going close on 27 minutes after being played in by midfield schemer Kristoffer Olsson.

Quaison went close again soon after when he met a cross from the industrious Mikael Lustig. Ball-playing Gent centre-back Lustig was on the end of a chance of his own after Berg smartly headed down, drawing a save from De Gea.

Spain mustered little in response, although Napoli playmaker Ruiz was getting into some useful shooting positions and combining well with Arsenal's Dani Ceballos.

Yet for all their artistry, La Roja weren't pressing the issue enough, and it was fitting they were punished five minutes after the restart when Berg eventually beat De Gea, but only after the United stopper had made two excellent saves from close range:

Sweden are beating Spain!

Marcus Berg nods it home. A huge goal in the context of this group.

Watch live on Sky Sports PL or follow here: https://t.co/BXq7U0UkqW pic.twitter.com/W1A5KfktYD

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 15, 2019

Things went from bad to worse for Spain when De Gea limped off on the hour mark to be replaced by Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga:

Manchester United fans look away 🙈

David de Gea has been subbed off after appearing to tweak something whilst
clearing the ball.

Watch live on Sky Sports PL or follow here: https://t.co/BXq7U0UkqW pic.twitter.com/5l5wNWhwv7

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 15, 2019

Spain needed a response, but none of Gerard Moreno, Rodrigo or Mikel Oyarzabal were able to apply the finishing touch. The pace of passing had also slowed through midfield, with Ceballos earning a booking after sloppily giving the ball away.

Hope appeared lost until Ruiz, who had arguably been Spain's best player, picked out Rodrigo, and the striker made no mistake to maintain his country's remarkable recent record qualifying for major tournaments:

Spain haven’t failed to be at a major competition going back over 25 years... https://t.co/HoO95DiEt2

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) October 15, 2019

Spain have fielded more talented squads in previous competitions, but the resolve shown by Robert Moreno's players in the Swedish capital is a good omen for next summer.

   

What's Next?

Spain close out the qualifiers with games at home to Malta on Friday, November 15, and Romania on Monday, November 18. Meanwhile, Sweden will be in action on the same dates, first in Romania, before hosting the Faroe Islands.

Spain will have another opportunity to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020 on Tuesday, when they face Sweden in Group F.

Per Bet365 (h/t Oddschecker), Spain are the 8-11 favourites, while Sweden carry odds of 4-1. A draw comes in at 5-2.

La Roja have a six-point lead over the Swedes and can win the group if Romania drop points against Norway. A top-two finish will suffice to ensure passage to Euro 2020.

British viewers can tune in via Sky Go, while those in the U.S. can watch via Univision NOW. Kick-off will be at 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET.

   

Spain celebrated Sergio Ramos' record-breaking 168th cap against Norway in their last outing, and they nearly gave the veteran defender the perfect way to do it:

🇪🇸 Sergio Ramos becomes Spain's most-capped player ever 👏👏👏

🔴 168 games
🏆 EURO 2008
🏆 World Cup 2010
🏆 EURO 2012 pic.twitter.com/o0f0APw2Bs

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) October 12, 2019

The 2008 and 2012 champions appeared to be on their way to Euro 2020 until Kepa Arrizabalaga committed a horrible error in the box, handing Norway a penalty. Joshua King tied things up, meaning Spain will have to wait until at least Tuesday to book their spot.

Romania and Sweden both won their first fixtures of the break, keeping things tight in the race for second place in the group. The Swedes lead Romania by one point and Norway by four. All of the teams will have two matches left to play in the next international break in November.

The mistake from Kepa will reignite discussions over who should start in goal for Spain. The Chelsea man has already said he welcomes the rivalry with Manchester United's David De Gea:

De Gea v Kepa 🧤

Who would you pick as Spain's no.1 goalkeeper? 🤔https://t.co/mRkAcMmKhQ

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) October 12, 2019

More questions arise further up the pitch. While Ramos has been a longtime standout for the team, it has been difficult to find a consistent playing partner for the 33-year-old since Gerard Pique retired from Spain.

Per Alex Kirkland of The Spanish Football Podcast, it has been something of a revolving door at the back:

Sergio Ramos' CB partners in the 12 Spain games he's played since Piqué retired:

Nacho
Nacho
Albiol
Nacho
Iñigo Martínez
Iñigo Martínez
Hermoso
Hermoso
Iñigo Martínez
Diego Llorente
Hermoso
Albiol

— Alex Kirkland (@alexkirkland) October 12, 2019

Fabian Ruiz was a standout against Norway and should retain his spot in the starting XI, while Santi Cazorla impressed off the bench and may be in line to start.

Sweden cruised to a 4-0 win over Malta in their last outing, but it's worth noting their opponents have lost every single one of their matches since beating Faroe Islands on the opening matchday.

Sebastian Larsson scored twice, while RB Leipzig's Emil Forsberg is also capable of doing damage if he's given too much space.

Prediction: Sweden 1-2 Spain

Spain's perfect run in Group F came to an end on Saturday after Norway held them to a 1-1 draw. La Roja had won their first six matches of UEFA Euro 2020 qualification and took the lead through Saul Niguez, but Joshua King hit back with a last-minute penalty.

Norway had the better chances before the break, but Spain dominated the possession battle and turned that advantage into a goal early in the second half. The win seemed almost certain until the hosts were handed a late penalty, which King converted.

Captain Sergio Ramos became the nation's all-time caps leader in the draw, overtaking former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas in his 168th appearance.

The late drama means Spain now lead the group by five points with three matches left to play. 

La Roja had reason to celebrate before the match even began, with Ramos reaching his milestone:

Sergio Ramos has now made 168 appearances for the Spanish national team, becoming his country's all-time most capped player.

A legend for club and country. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/BJRIrHlQt3

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 12, 2019

The visitors took control of possession early, but Norway had an early penalty appeal denied after a slight tug on King's shoulder.

While Spain neatly passed the ball around, first-half chances were almost non-existent. The Norwegian defence did a fine job locking down their box, drawing praise from the Guardian's Ewan Murray:

Anyone watching Norway v Spain whilst assuming Scotland will just skip past the Norwegians (if required) in March.... 😳

— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) October 12, 2019

Rodrigo nearly made contact with a sharp cross, but Spain barely threatened. At the other end of the pitch, Kepa Arrizabalaga had to make a fine save to deny King the opener, and Ramos made a block to keep out the striker as well.

Saul aimed a header over the bar late in the half, and Martin Odegaard almost got a shot off after a Norwegian corner caused panic in the Spain defence. Norway finished the half on top and perhaps should have opened the scoring:

Norway the better team vs Spain first half

Creating more chances too..

Love to do a tweet like this

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) October 12, 2019

Their inability to score came back to haunt them early in the second half, when Saul put the visitors ahead. The midfielder fired a clever shot past Rune Jarstein after the defence failed to clear their lines.

GOAL! Spain take the lead against Norway! ⚽️

Saul Niguez finds the net with a great strike from outside the box 👏 #NORSPA pic.twitter.com/zhMiK0TClX

— GOAL (@goal) October 12, 2019

Norway tried to answer through Odegaard and King, but the latter's header just missed the target.

The introduction of Santi Cazorla added a dash of creativity to Spain's midfield, and he combined well with Fabian Ruiz, who hit the cross bar with a great strike. 

Ole Selnaes put Kepa to work with a shot, and King later couldn't keep his nerve and fired the ball over the bar.

Ruiz missed a late chance to put Norway away for good, and that miss would prove costly. Deep in added time, Omar Elabdellaoui beat Kepa to the ball, and the Chelsea goalkeeper fouled him and allowed King to score from the resulting penalty.

      

What's Next?

Spain take on Sweden in another qualifier on Tuesday. Norway will also be on the road, against Romania.