Three Time European Champions Spain began their Euro 2020 with a frustrating 0-0 draw in Seville against Sweden. The Hosts had a staggering 85 per cent possession and had some of the best chances but lacked a clear cutting edge in front of the goal.
Sweden had to thank Goalkeeper Robin Olson who regularly kept Spain out with fine saves. Sweden had one major chance in the 61st minute which might have turned out to be the winner if Marcus Berg would have been successful in slotting the ball away in an open goal.
A great run by Alexander Isak following a counter attack had left the host wide open. After dribbling past a couple of defenders, Isak picked out Berg at the far post. However the striker failed to connect the effort from a couple of yards out to make up an horrendous miss.
Earlier in the day, Czech Republic silenced the home crowd at Hampden Park in Scotland by beating the host 2-0. Two goals from either side of the half by Patrik Schick which included an incredible curling effort from 50 yards out.
As the game went near the halfway mark, a corner was not cleared properly by Scotland. Vladmir Coufal then swinged in a dangerous cross which was headed in the bottom left corner by Schick.
This goal was then followed by probably the"Goal of the Tournament" by Schick. The Czech Republic broke away on a counter attack. Schick picked up the ball near the halfway line and saw Scotland Keeper Marshall of his line and decided to smash it which found its way in leaving Marshall shaking his head.
In the other fixture, Slovakia edged out 10-men Poland 2-1 after Grzegorz Krychowiak was sent out in the second half for a second yellow card.
Slovakia's Robert Mak had left the Polish defenders speechless before driving in an effort at the near post. His effort however went in by striking Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny crediting him for an own goal.
Poland found a leveller at the start of the second half. Karol Linetty slided in a cross into the bottom right corner after the ball had evaded Robert Lewandowki in the 46th minute.
After Krychowiak's dismissal, Slovakia soon started to dominate and found the winner in the form of Centre Back Milan Skriniar. Following another corner, he took a touch before slotting the ball with pace to beat Szczesny.
0 Comments