SPAIN U21
Gea
Montoya • Bartra • Martínez • Moreno
Alcântara • Illarramendi • Muniain
Tello • Isco
Morata
NORWAY U21
Håskjold
Elabdellaoui • Rogne • Berge • Strandberg
Singh • Johansen • Eikrem
Berget • Pedersen • Nielsen
Spain go into their European Under-21 Championship semi final against Norway on Saturday as firm favourites to reach the final for the second successive tournament.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are currently on a staggering 24-match unbeaten run at this level and the 2011 champions won all three of their group stage encounters without conceding a single goal.
Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho is the only injury doubt for la Roja after limping off against the Netherlands with a sprained ankle but is expected to recover in time for the semi-final showdown.
Group A runners up Norway are the tournament’s surprise package having booked their place in the final four at the expense of England and hosts Israel.
Like their opponents, the Scandinavians came through the group stages unbeaten and Tor Ole Skullerud has a fully fit squad to choose from after making nine changes for their 1-1 draw with Italy in Tel Aviv.
DID YOU KNOW?
Spain are looking to retain the championship having won the 2011 tournament in Denmark.
La Roja have won the Under-21 Championships three times in their history – only Italy (5) have won it on more occasions.
Alvaro Morata (pictured, right) is the tournaments top scorer with three goals, having netted in every group match.
Norway have never reached a final at any age group in Uefa competitions.
Their best performance at Under-21 level was a semi final appearance in 1998 – where they lost to Spain.
Harmeet Singh is the most experienced Under-21 player at this year’s tournament, winning 37 caps for Norway at this level.
PREDICTION
Norway have shown a lot of heart with their performances so far - fighting back with ten-men to snatch a draw with Israel and coming seconds away from a memorable victory against Italy - but it will take more than a bit of team spirit to derail Spain's route to the final. The holders have yet to concede a goal and that probably won't change in a comfortable victory in Netanya for Lopetegui's side.
Editor's Prediction
Spain U-21 3-0 Norway U-21
