Spain Under-21s’ merciless 5-2 win over Norway on Thursday night left Coach Julen Lopetegui purring at the players’ application.
La Rojita overcame their Norwegian counterparts in convincing fashion in Toledo, thanks to two goals from Cristian Tello and strikes from Rodrigo and Sergio Canales ahead of a Tollas own goal.
“The attitude has been good, and the mindset to come back from the first goal,” enthused Lopetegui in his post-match address.
“The image has been good, against an opponent who will also be at the European Championships, but not in our group.
“We made it difficult for ourselves [going a goal down], but we were fortunate to draw level very soon after.
“I am particularly pleased with the attitude because they have done everything as it has been prepared. They have applied what has been done in training and everything has been positive.”
The game is the first of two warm-up fixtures during this international break in preparation for the European Under-21 Championships in Israel.
“Who will I pick for Israel? Everyone has their chance, but not until May, when the season ends, will I decide.
“Thiago? He is a very important player and we will have to wait and see for what Vicente del Bosque decides, but we would be happy to have him if he does not go with the senior squad [to the Confederations Cup].”
Spain face Russia on Monday.
“Russia will also be at Israel and in our group, and they play in a different way to Norway.
“They have more technical players, a higher quality and it is safe to say that the game will be different to this one.”
