Slovakia vs Spain, UEFA Euro 2020, Today Match Prediction

Slovakia vs Spain Match Prediction & Analysis

The time has come for Spain to show their worth in this tournament, otherwise they’ll be heading back home far sooner than anyone would have predicted.

Their two draws against Poland and Sweden have shown them to be exceptional at keeping the ball, but very poor in doing very much with it.

Despite having 85% possession against Sweden followed by 76% against Poland, the Spanish outfit have managed just one goal and sit in a dangerous position in third place. As it currently stands, two points wouldn’t be enough to qualify. A draw is unlikely to be enough either.

Slovakia, with three points are currently sitting a place ahead of Spain, but know that defeat here would likely knock them out.

They did well to secure victory on the opening day of the group against Poland, but a 1-0 defeat to Sweden means that everything rests on the final game of the group.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Slovakia Preview

World Ranking: 36

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Round of 16, 2016

Predicted Finish This Year: Group Stage 

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Know that a point would be enough to qualify

     Will have taken confidence from watching Spain struggle so far

Reasons to be fearful:

     Defeat will likely not be enough to qualify

     Only won one of six meetings with Spain

Usually, it would be a very daunting prospect to face Spain in the last game of the group stage, needing a draw to remain in the competition.

Even now, Spain are favourites to win their game, but everyone can see that this is not the Spain team of old. They’ve only managed one goal so far, and Slovakia will be quietly confident of producing a well-organised performance to shut the door on their opponents.

In Milan Skriniar, they have a top defender, as well as their only goalscorer so far this tournament. The way in which he organises the back line will be vital for Slovakia.

Can they spring a surprise here?

Star Man – Milan Skriniar

With Slovakia only needing a point here, their top defender will need to be at his absolute best here.

Spain Preview

World Ranking: 6

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1964/2008/2012

Predicted Finish This Year: Quarter Finals 

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Morata looked sharp up front against Poland

     High possession makes it hard for opponents to score against them

Reasons to be fearful:

     Will be eliminated if they fail to win

     Must find a way of breaking down teams who defend deep

Watching Spain has become a rather boring way of spending 90 minutes, it has to be said over the past couple of weeks.

For all their possession and passing, football at its best is about putting the ball in the back of the net, something which Spain have managed just once so far in two games.

This appeared to have improved against Poland, with Alvaro Morata taking the lead inside the first half. However, instead of killing off the game, Spain reverted back to their keep-ball tactics and allowed Poland to equalise.

Here, they must simply go for the win. They have players on the bench who can add more direction, such as Adama Traore, and must put the ball into the box more often.

Star Man – Alvaro Morata

Has Spain’s only goal so far, and looked sharp against Poland. Can his teammates give him the service he needs?