Tight win for Spain, Italy cruise

Paris, March 24 

Sergio Ramos scored a second-half penalty to help Spain beat a spirited Norway 2-1 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier, while teenage striker Moise Kean netted in Italy’s win over Finland.

Spain were not at their clinical best in Valencia, but got their Group F campaign off to a solid start despite Norway threatening an upset.

The 2010 World Cup winners have been unpredictable of late, having been dumped out by Russia in the last-16 of the World Cup and then missing out on the Nations League finals after a home loss to England.

Juventus youngster Kean, 19, became the youngest striker to start for Italy in more than a century as Roberto Mancini’s men saw off Finland 2-0. Italy got off to a flying start in Udine, as 22-year-old Nicolo Barella gave them a seventh-minute lead with his maiden international goal.

James scorcher gives Wales 1-0 win over Slovakia

CARDIFF: Wales made a winning start to their qualifying campaign after Daniel James scored his first international goal on his competitive debut to give them a 1-0 home win over Slovakia in a lively Group E clash on Sunday. Hungary stunned World Cup finalists Croatia 2-1. Adam Szalai cancelled out Ante Rebic’s 13th-minute goal in the 34th minute before Mate Patkai gave Hungary the lead in the 76th minute. — Reuters