It was a mixed bag for Manchester City’s players on international duty overnight. Rodri’s Spain faced off against Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb’s Norway side in a crunch Euro 24 qualifier. Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol were also in action for Croatia as they faced Wales in Cardiff.
Spain booked their ticket to next year’s European Championships with a 1-nil win over Norway in Oslo. A goal from Barcelona midfielder Gavi was enough to settle the contest. The win for Spain seals their qualification and means the only way Norway can qualify is through the UEFA Nations League Playoffs.
Rodri put in a dominant display in midfield in a tense affair. City’s midfield general dictated affairs in midfield and looked in fine form for his return to Pep Guardiola’s midfield after his three-game suspension.
Rodri vs Norway:
117 Touches
106 Accurate Passes
96% Pass Accuracy
1 Key Pass
17 Accurate Long Balls
3 Ground Duels Won
2 Tackles
2 Clearances
1 Aerial Duel Won
1 Successful Dribble🇪🇸 @SEFutbol | #Euro2024Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/JYPT7ueXGN
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 15, 2023
For Norway Erling Haaland toiled away up front but lacked service on occasions. He came close twice to scoring. In the first half, he was thwarted by former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. He was also denied an equaliser late on but he couldn’t get enough on his strike as Spain held out for the win.
Oscar Bobb was given his first start for Norway. He picked up a booking and was substituted after 58 minutes as Norway pressed for an equaliser.
For Croatia Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol both started in their 2-1 loss to Wales. The City pair both got through the full 90 minutes as Wales edged a tight contest. It sets up a tense final round of qualifying fixtures in November.
That group of Manchester City’s players who played overnight will all return to Manchester following their international duty.
