Spain set up Drammen showdown

Norway 0-3 Spain
Spain set up a showdown with Slovakia to decide who will play in the final of the 2001/02 UEFA European Under-19 Championship after beating Norway 3-0 in their Group A match in Hønefoss.

Bouncing back
After the disappointment of drawing their opening game against the Czech Republic, Iñaki Sáez's side bounced back to top form against Bjørn Hansen's brave team.

Stubborn rearguard
Spain enjoyed the majority of the possession early on but found it hard to break down a stubborn Norwegian rearguard. After 20 minutes José Antonio Reyes found himself clean through against Jan Kjell Larsen but the Norwegian goalkeeper did well to save with his feet.

Gaining in confidence
Just as Norway seemed to be gaining in confidence they fell behind. Larsen saved Fernando Torres's initial effort, but Reyes was alert to the rebound and slotted the ball into the net via the post to give his side a 22nd-minute lead.

Moen breaks through
Kristoffer Hæstad went close for Norway just after the half-hour with a long-range effort. In response, Spain pushed forward with renewed vigour, forcing several fine saves out of Larsen. A minute before the interval Norway had a half-chance when Tor Erik Moen broke through on goal only to lose control of the ball as he shaped to shoot.

Reyes goal
The game was effectively over in the 56th minute as Fernando Torres increased the Spanish lead after good play on the wing. Fernando Torres and Reyes both went close again as Spain piled on the pressure and the Norwegian defence was breached once more in the 68th minute when Reyes controlled the ball brilliantly, turned and fired an unstoppable shot past Larsen.

Must-win game
The win means that Spain go second in the group, two points behind Slovakia ahead of their meeting in Drammen on Thursday. Nothing less than victory will suffice if the Iberian nation are to reach the final. Norway, the hosts, can no longer advance, but they have the consolation of knowing that if they beat the Czech Republic in their final game, they will qualify for the finals of the FIFA World Youth Championship.

'A cup final'
"Thursday's match against the Czech Republic will be like a cup final to us, the winner capturing a ticket to next year's World Championship," said Norway coach Hansen. With so much still at stake, Group A is building up to quite a climax.