Spain U21 v Norway U21: Clinical holders to progress

Fresh from delivering the Netherlands a reality check, favourites Spain take on Norway for a spot in the final...

Spain U21 v Norway U21, Saturday 16:30, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Spain U21 1.36, Norway U21 10.0, The Draw 5.1

Any suspicions that holders Spain represented underwhelming favourites to retain their European crown were promptly banished on matchday three.

After two narrow 1-0 victories which were only achieved in the last ten minutes of their previous group games, the Spanish pass masters punctured the Netherlands' bubble in style, running out convincing 3-0 winners.

Now, the only team in the semi-finals to arrive with a perfect record take on the tournament's surprise package, Norway, for a place in the final.

While Norway's efforts to get this far are commendable, especially in light of the 3-1 chastening they handed out to England, it's hard to envisage them progressing further at La Rojita's expense.

The Scandinavians are a very good side, who've made excellent use of experienced inclusions in the squad, though they have not been tested by a side anywhere near as slick as Spain just yet.

Though they were only minutes away from beating Italy in the last game, the penalty was about the only chance Norway created in a game which saw a significant amount of personnel changes.

Against Netherlands, La Rojita controlled things from the back while skipper Thiago Alcantara interchanged beautifully with the likes of Isco, emulating the Barcelona-style football now so synonymous with Spain's national side.

This kind of fluidity will be hard to deal with for Norway, especially as the Spaniards have now rediscovered their killer touch at just the right moment.

Spain Win to Nil

Despite Norway scoring in each of their three games thus far, coming up against this Spanish defence is a different story. Marshalled by the likes of Barcelona centre back Marc Bartra and with Man United stopper David de Gea between the sticks, they've built up an excellent understanding as the tournament has progressed. The longer they go without conceding, the more they will want to win the competition blemish-free.

Half Time/Full Time

Now that Spain are fully warmed up to the tournament, the likes of the leading Euros scorer Alvaro Morata - with three to his name - can really get cracking. Two goals in quick succession in the first half against the Dutch were just rewards for their enterprise and their customary second-half strike sealed the deal.

Best Bet: Back Spain U21 to win to nil @ 2.36
Recommended Bet: Back Spain U21/Spain U21 in Half Time/Full Time @ 2.04

Bet HERE

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