Slovakia
Spain
Spain
Disappointing Spain face must-win clash against Slovakia to progress through to Round of 16
Spain to win 2-0
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.
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.
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?
Spain will once again dictate possession
Expect Slovakia to defend deep
If Spain score early, they could score two or three
Spain manager Luis Enrique will be scratching his head at how to get the best out of his team of very technical, but misfiring players.
Could he make changes? In truth, he’ll probably stick with the same team, but tell them to be more direct.
Slovakia will back themselves to defend second place, but know that if they concede early, they’ll be up against it.
Spain to win 2-0
