Euro 2024: Real Madrid Defender Explains How Spain Kept Haaland Quiet To Seal Qualification

• Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has detailed how Spain kept Erling Haaland at bay
• Spain barely allowed the Man City forward a sniff all night long on a frustrating night
• Haaland will hope to get among the goal scorers when club football returns this weekend

Dani Carvajal has disclosed the strategy that Spain employed to neutralize Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as Spain secured qualification for Euro 2024 on Sunday evening.

Despite Haaland's impressive track record of 27 goals in 27 appearances for Norway, he failed to find the back of the net, as Gavi's early second-half strike proved sufficient for La Roja to secure their spot in next summer's European Championship.

While the visiting team relied on the talents of Arsenal's Martin Odegaard and Haaland, the 2008 and 2012 European champions had a different game plan for the star duo.

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A defence led by Aymeric Laporte, Le Normand, Dani Carvajal, and Fran Garcia effectively subdued the prolific goal-scoring threat.

For context, Sofascore rated the 23-year-old a 6.5, as he managed just one shot on target, a mere 17 touches throughout the 90 minutes, and an astonishing six instances of losing possession.

Detailing the Spanish defence's role in restricting Haaland's impact, Carvajal shared his insights with Teledeporte, as reported by GOAL.

"We came here to win, we played a complete game. They hardly gave us any chances, and we are going home happy and with our ticket to the Euro."

Regarding keeping Haaland subdued, he further added: "Defensively, from Unai [Simon] to Alvaro [Morata], we have been very compact.

"We have not allowed him to receive any comfortable ball. Praise the work of the centre-backs because they have done a fantastic job."

Spain frustrate Haaland to beat Norway

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Spain secured their spot at Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Norway, simultaneously ensuring Scotland's qualification from Group A.

Despite their star striker Erling Haaland, Norway, who last participated in a major tournament at Euro 2000, can now potentially qualify only through play-offs. To be eligible, they must retain their third-place standing and hope that Serbia qualifies from Group G.

Young midfielder Gavi struck early in the second half, propelling the 2008 and 2012 European championship champions to advance to the tournament in Germany next summer with two games still remaining.