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19 March 2025

Spain U-17 Team Faces Norway In European Championship Qualifier

Enzo Alves, son of Marcelo, set to debut as Spain aims for a strong start in Almendralejo.

As the Spain U-17 team gear up for their first match in the Elite Round of the European Championship qualification, a palpable excitement surrounds their game against Norway. This notable encounter is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 18:00 hours in the Estadio Francisco de la Hera, Almendralejo.

One of the central figures in this match is Enzo Alves Vieira, the 15-year-old burgeoning talent from Real Madrid and son of Brazilian football star Marcelo. Enzo is expected to make his official debut for La Rojita, a milestone that many fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating. Having previously shone in friendly matches with Spain’s Sub-15 and Sub-16 teams, the pressure and curiosity surrounding Enzo's performance could significantly affect the match's dynamics.

This match will not only serve as a formative moment for Enzo, who has netted over 100 goals at youth levels, but also for the entire team, which needs a strong start to secure their place in the European Championship to be held in Albania later this year. The stakes are high; with Spain, Norway, Germany, and Austria all vying for the sole qualification spot from this group, a win against Norway is imperative.

The Spain U-17 side is under the guidance of coach Hernán Pérez, who has emphasized the importance of unity and cohesive play. In a recent statement, he reiterated, “Our ambition is not just to qualify for the European Championship and the World Cup, but to create a compact team that plays well and aims to win every match.”

As Spain prepares to clash with Norway, the players have engaged in rigorous physical and tactical training sessions in the lead-up to the match. Reports indicate that the team has been thoroughly analyzing their opponents, who are recognized for their aggressive playing style. “We respect all our rivals, but we aim for the top in every competition we enter,” Pérez stated.

The implications of this game extend beyond just the quest for the European Championship. Additionally, the top teams from the final phase of the tournament will secure spots for the World Cup U-17 set to occur in Qatar in November 2025. Thus, every match in this qualifying stage has deep consequences for players and coaches alike.

The upcoming matches include crucial encounters against Germany on March 22 and Austria on March 25, where Spain will continue to showcase their skills on home soil. The match against Norway serves as the launching pad for these vital competitions, and winning it could set a tone of confidence for the entire tournament.

Tickets for the Spain vs. Norway match were priced at five euros, allowing fans to cheer on their team in support. The energy in Almendralejo is expected to be electric as both teams take to the field, representing the optimism and determination of young talent.

The lineup for the match will see Spain field a team featuring remarkable players including Guirao, Teixidor, and notably Enzo Alves alongside other prospects like Ciria and Bonel. Meanwhile, Norway's squad boasts its own set of promising talents.

As fans and analysts complete their pre-match discussions, the focus now shifts entirely to the field. This encounter symbolizes the hard work and dedication from the U-17 players, with everything from their training regimen to the anticipation of an electrifying atmosphere. Will Enzo Alves rise to the occasion and help propel Spain towards victory? Only time will tell.

The broader initiative to develop promising youth into elite players continues to unfold as they enter this critical phase. Football enthusiasts across Spain will be tuning in to witness what could be the start of a remarkable journey for these young athletes, as they not only chase victory over Norway but also chase their dreams on the international stage.

All matches, including this significant opener against Norway, will be available for live viewing on the official channels of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), framing Spain’s commitment to making this youthful squad a central part of the nation’s footballing future.