Unai Simon of Spain on stopping Norway: “We Must Keep Haaland Out Of Box, Any Ball He Touches Could Be A Goal”

Spain must keep Norway’s lethal scorer Erling Haaland far away from their goal on Sunday in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match, according to goalkeeper Unai Simon.

With a victory in Oslo, La Roja can secure their spot in Germany for the next summer. However, Haaland and Norway are standing in their way, urgently attempting to win in order to advance.

Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, was hurt when Spain defeated Norway 3-0 in March but scored twice against Cyprus on Thursday to keep his nation’s ambitions for the Euro 2024 tournament alive.

Leaders in Group A Scotland would advance if Norway were to lose, while Spain may secure their spot in the competition with a win in either of their last two games.

“We see how decisive (Haaland) is in the box in every game,” Simon said during a press conference on Saturday.

“Any ball Haaland touches in the penalty area might result in a goal; whether it’s an aerial ball, a low ball, played with the left foot or the right, he’s a natural goal scorer.

“We’ll try to keep him as far away from the box and our goal as possible, and when he’s in our area, make sure he doesn’t touch the ball — he has an out-of-the-ordinary probability of scoring,” the coach said.

After moving from Borussia Dortmund to Man City last season, Haaland dominated the English top division, scoring 36 goals in the Premier League to set a new record for the league’s most goals scored in a single season.

27 goals have been scored by the 23-year-old striker in 27 games for Norway.

When questioned about Haaland, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said that his squad will be vigilant to counteract the forward and the other dangers posed by Norway.

The coach said, “We will attempt to be at our best, to go out there with all focus to restrict the opponent’s assaults.

“Haaland is a specialist in dynamic attacking, but I’m very pleased with the work of our center-backs. We’ll try to counter these characteristics — not just of Haaland, but other dangerous players as well.”

Martin Odegaard, a playmaker for Norway, said earlier on Saturday that he believed Haaland to be the finest player in the world, but also emphasized that his side had other strengths.

Although there are other players, Haaland is undoubtedly the finest in the world, according to Arsenal midfielder Odegaard.

We are aware of what Haaland is, yet everyone contributes much to the team effort.