Odegaard sets Euro record

Martin Odegaard became the youngest player to start a European Championship qualifier on Saturday, courtesy of his appearance for Norway against Croatia.

The Real Madrid wonderkid, who was not even born when Norway last qualified for a major tournament – the 1998 World Cup – took up the mantle at 16 years, three months and 11 days in Zagreb.

However, it was not a match to remember for his nation as they crashed to a 5-1 defeat, a result which damaged their goal difference and left them two points behind Italy in Group H.

Odegaard also became the youngest player to take part in a Euro qualifier last October, when he replaced Mats Daehli for the final 26 minutes against Bulgaria at just 15 years and 300 days.