Yesterday, in Euro 2020’s Group E, Sweden edged Slovakia 1-0 in the Scandinavian’s best performance of the tourney so far. Meanwhile, in Group D, Croatia drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic and England drew 0-0 with Scotland in a tough, classic British showdown.
Sweden’s Alexander Isak, the Real Sociedad striker, had a great game nearly scoring on several occasions and being one of the main reasons why Slovakian keeper, Martin Dubravka, was called upon to make so many great saves.
But it was Emil Fosberg’s well-taken penalty at the 77th minute that eventually spelled the difference in a tough, well-played match that Sweden deserved to win despite enjoying less possession and accumulating 16 called fouls to Slovakia’s seven.
Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic
Also yesterday, Croatia, looking their age and playing their second lackluster match earned a draw with the Czech Republic despite a very controversial penalty call in favor of the Czech’s which Patrick Schick converted at the 37th. Ivan Perisic drew Croatia even at the 47th, but that was as much as the teams could muster in a match where the Croats had two shots on target and the Czechs one the entire match.
England 0-0 Scotland
Vaunted England could not muster a serious offensive push against a stalwart Scottish defense who seemed to have all the answers for Southgate’s boys. One John Stones header off a post was the only difference between the teams.
Spain 1-1 Poland
Today, in group E play, at the Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, hosts Spain squandered chances galore, again, with coach Luis Enrique’s latest experiment of a lineup, and Poland earned a point they were lucky to get.
Alvaro Morata scored on his third chance of the game to put the Spaniards ahead at the 25th minute and earn a hug from his coach who had stuck with him despite his dismal performance in the first group match. At the 54th minute, though, Robert Lewandowski headed the sides even, and then Poland held for the precious point that gives them hope going forward.
Then, at the 58th minute Gerard Moreno slammed his penalty kick against the post and Morata missed the point-blank rebound, kicking it well wide left, and Spain never had a better chance.
Photo: Alvaro Morata 69000091 / Alvaro Morata © Stef22 | Dreamstime.com
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