Spain‘s finishing practice ahead of decisive game vs Slovakia
Follow live coverage with Spain in last-chance saloon territory at Euro 2020 knowing they need a win against Slovakia to guarantee themselves a place in the last 16. A draw may prove good enough for Luis Enrique’s side but it will depend on the result between Sweden and Poland.
After successive draws in their two opening matches, questions are being asked of Spain’s attacking prowess and they must find the answers here – La Roja are no longer considered by many to be among the front-runners for success this summer, but for now the focus is simply on reaching the knockouts.
For Slovakia, the task is altogether more straightforward in terms of mathematics, if not in actual in-game practice: avoid defeat and they are through to the last 16. A defeat will likely see them exit unless they score a few goals in the process.
They put themselves in a good position after the opening match having beaten 10-man Poland, but a dour defeat against Sweden leaves them up against it for the final clash here and they will likely need a stern rearguard action from Milan Skriniar and Co if they are to keep Spain at bay for 90 minutes. Follow all the team news and action here as Slovakia face Spain at Euro 2020.
GOAL Spain 3-0 Slovakia (Sarabia) ⚽️
56 mins: Game, set, match in Seville.
A flowing passing move finds Alba who crosses for Sarabia, and the PSG winger caresses the ball into the net off the post.
A lovely, lovely goal for La Roja.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 18:17
Euro 2020: Spain 2-0 Slovakia
53 mins: Pedri has been brilliant today, and the Barca midfielder skips away from several challenges before being fouled by Kucka.
The Slovakian midfielder is desperately trying to get into the referee’s book it seems.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 18:14
Euro 2020: Spain 2-0 Slovakia
49 mins: Slovakia are showing more attacking intent in this second half, although it wasn’t hard to beat their first half performance.
Hubocan has played a couple of excellent diagonal passes that he certainly did not do in the opening 45.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 18:10
Euro 2020: Spain 2-0 Slovakia
46 mins: Since his debut for the national side in October 2019, Gerard Moreno has been directly involved in 10 goals for Spain (five goals, five assists) – more than any other player for them in this time.
He got the assist as his cross was headed home by Laporte. Will Moreno get any more in the second period?
Sweden lead Group E as it stands – and we are up and running in Seville.
Lobotka and Duris are on for Hromada and Duda.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 18:06
Half time: Spain 2-0 Slovakia
As it stands, Spain will qualify in second from Group E.
Despite a Morata missed penalty, La Roja lead through a Dubravka own goal and a Laporte header in added time.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:58
Half time: Spain 2-0 Slovakia
Spain are 45 minutes away from securing progression to the last-16, and it has come courtesy of Newcastle United’s goalkeeper.
Dubravka excellently saved a Morata penalty before literally smacking the ball into his own net after Sarabia had struck the bar.
Late in the first half, Laporte’s header doubled Spain’s tally after Dubravka was caught out by Moreno.
It’s been a dismal showing from Slovakia, with the likes of Hamsik, Mak and Duda all anonymous amidst Dubravka’s horror show.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:52
GOAL Spain 2-0 Slovakia (Laporte) ⚽️
45+3 mins: It goes from horrendous to somehow worse for Dubravka, the Slovakian goalkeeper.
Moreno somehow gets to a clipped pass ahead of the onrushing goalkeeper, and the Villarreal striker crosses where Laporte can loop a header back across Dubravka and into the back of the net.
Two easy goals for La Roja.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:49
Euro 2020: Spain 1-0 Slovakia
45 mins: Spain are dictating the play now with their rhythmic passing, although – like their previous two matches – they lack a cutting edge.
Koke has a pop from distance and it sails wide.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:46
Euro 2020: Spain 1-0 Slovakia
42 mins: Sergio Busquets brings down two players with one sliding tackle, showing his efficiency even when fouling the opposition.
Spain are trying to hold the ball and when Slovakia come forward and press them, Enrique’s side just tear through them.
Alba tried to find Morata in the box but it is intercepted and then the left back fouls Duda.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:42
Euro 2020: Spain 1-0 Slovakia
39 mins: Pedri deliciously flicks a ball over an outstretched leg of a Slovakian midfielder – it was a delicate piece of skill from the teenager.
Moments later, Kucka climbs all over Moreno and fouls him four or five times before the referee blows.
Sarabia whips it in and it is headed clear by Satka.
Andrew Gamble23 June 2021 17:39