Spain captain Sergio Ramos has scored another "Panenka" chipped penalty to give his side a 2-1 home win over Norway in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier, while Italy earned a solid 2-0 victory over Finland.
Spain made a slick start and took the lead in Valencia when Rodrigo Moreno volleyed in Jordi Alba's cross from close range in the 16th minute, and continued to dominate proceedings without carving out clear chances.
Spain's Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Norway.Credit:AP
Norway, who had done little in attack, levelled in the 65th minute with a perfectly-taken penalty from striker Joshua King, before Spain earned a spot- kick of their own six minutes later via Alvaro Morata.
Ramos easily deceived Norway keeper Rune Jarstein by chipping the ball down the middle of the goal to score a "Panenka".
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"It's the start of a new journey and what better way to win than against an opponent who made it tough for us despite our possession? We knew it was going to be hard work," the Real Madrid-based Ramos said.
Italy, meanwhile, outclassed Finland in Udine, with youngster Moise Kean on target for his first international goal after Nicolo Barella's opener.
Barella put the Azzurri ahead on seven minutes, pouncing on a clearance and firing a low deflected drive past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Italy remained in control, but created no telling chances in the first half. Ciro Immobile missed a header after the break and Teemu Pukki botched a close- range chance in one of Finland's rare forays before Italy sealed victory in the 74th minute, with Immobile feeding Kean to score.
Italy's Nicolo Barella, on the ground, celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Finland.Credit:ANSA
Spain captain Sergio Ramos has scored another "Panenka" chipped penalty to give his side a 2-1 home win over Norway in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier, while Italy earned a solid 2-0 victory over Finland.
Spain made a slick start and took the lead in Valencia when Rodrigo Moreno volleyed in Jordi Alba's cross from close range in the 16th minute, and continued to dominate proceedings without carving out clear chances.
Spain's Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Norway.Credit:AP
Norway, who had done little in attack, levelled in the 65th minute with a perfectly-taken penalty from striker Joshua King, before Spain earned a spot- kick of their own six minutes later via Alvaro Morata.
Ramos easily deceived Norway keeper Rune Jarstein by chipping the ball down the middle of the goal to score a "Panenka".
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"It's the start of a new journey and what better way to win than against an opponent who made it tough for us despite our possession? We knew it was going to be hard work," the Real Madrid-based Ramos said.
Italy, meanwhile, outclassed Finland in Udine, with youngster Moise Kean on target for his first international goal after Nicolo Barella's opener.
Barella put the Azzurri ahead on seven minutes, pouncing on a clearance and firing a low deflected drive past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Italy remained in control, but created no telling chances in the first half. Ciro Immobile missed a header after the break and Teemu Pukki botched a close- range chance in one of Finland's rare forays before Italy sealed victory in the 74th minute, with Immobile feeding Kean to score.
Italy's Nicolo Barella, on the ground, celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Finland.Credit:ANSA
