Rodrigo values Under-21 goal

Rodrigo Moreno admitted that the timing of his opening goal for Spain helped in their defeat of Norway in the UEFA Under-21 Championship semi-final.

Julen Lopetegui’s team are into a second successive tournament final thanks to a 3-0 win over the Norwegians in Netanya.

Whilst Isco and Alvaro Morata late goals eased the score-line, Rodrigo’s goal on the stroke of half-time carried value, according to the Benfica forward himself.

It's always important to score. There are key moments and it was a very good goal to score as it took some of the pressure off,” the 22-year-old told UEFA post-match.

“It also meant they had to come forward a bit in the second half which gave us more space.

“They had no option but to come forward – it's a semi-final and they had to try to win the game.

“Norway played really well in the second half but we're happy with the win.

“It was a good result. We got the goals in the end and I think we coped with the pressure in the second half, although the most important thing is the win and the fact we're in the final, which was our goal.”

Tags 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship La Rojita Rodrigo Spain Under-21s
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