Norway hit back to hold Spain

Spain 1-1 Norway
UEFA European Under-21 Championship contenders Spain failed to gain the morale boosting win they were hoping for after Juan Ramón López Caro's side were held to a 1-1 draw with Norway in Cartagena.

Early lead
A 4-1 away defeat to Portugal in their last friendly outing proved the Spanish needed to improve ahead of next summer's finals and after a bright start to this game it appeared things were beginning to click for the hosts. A starting line-up containing the likes of Liga regulars Juan Manuel Mata, Bojan Krkić and Diego Capel ensured a pacey opening with early chances falling to the Valencia CF and FC Barcelona attackers. The hosts eventually took the lead in the lead in the 15th minute when Mata converted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Norwegian defender Vegard Forren inside the area.

Effort rewarded
Thereafter, Spain slowly started to lose their rhythm, allowing Norway back into the match. The Norwegian youngsters continued to grow in confidence as the second half wore on and with 17 minutes remaining they received their reward when Forren headed a set-piece towards the Spanish goal before seeing his effort deflect in off the unlucky César Azpilicueta.

Spain: De Gea; Azpilicueta, Goni (Botia, 21), Sanjosé, Canella; Sunny, Edu Bedia (Emilio Nsue, 70); Aarón (Jeffrén, 61), Mata (Ander Herrera, 86), Capel (Adrián, 70); Bojan.

Norway: Staw; Simonsen, Hovland, Forren, Thomassen; Lekven (Larsen, 46), Jenssen; Knudtzon (Hansen, 73), Kleiven, Parr (Flo, 90); Elyounoussi (Skogseid, 90).