UEFA Euro 2020 Group E is on a knife-edge as Spain face elimination if they cannot win against Slovakia in Seville

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With only two points from their opening two games, Luis Enrique’s team need a victory over the current holders of second-place, Slovakia, if they are to progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2020.

If the game were to end at a stalemate, three points are unlikely to be enough to send Spain through as one of the best third-placed teams. A draw would suit Slovakia as long as Poland fail to win against Sweden or Sweden lose by two clear goals.

Spain haven’t been knocked out in the group stages of an international tournament since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after establishing themselves as international football royalty in the mid-2000s.

This may be another reminder that the golden generation is no more. Luis Enrique’s team is yet to impress, and a lack of cutting edge has been evident.

Spain recorded 12 shots in their 1-1 draw against Poland, with Gerard Moreno missing a penalty and Álvaro Morata hopelessly firing the rebound wide.

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Robert Lewandowski equalised for Poland with a towering header in the 54th minute after Morata gave Spain a first-half lead.

On the other hand, Slovakia really should already be through to the knockout stages.

Štefan Tarkovič’s side looked as though they were settling for a point, despite a win guaranteeing progression at Euro 2020.

Emil Forsberg’s 77th-minute penalty gave Sweden the three points to move them to the top of Group E, with Slovakia left to wonder if their reluctance to attack may cost them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Team news

Slovakia

The Slovakians will be without FK Jablonec’s Ivan Schranz as he is sidelined with an injury. Denis Vavro misses out due to recently testing positive for COVID-19.

Lukás Haraslín may return to the starting lineup after being replaced by Martin Koscelnik against Sweden. Koscelinik didn’t inspire, so Haraslín may get another opportunity to impress.

Tarkovič is likely to continue with Ondrej Duda as a false nine, whilst Milan Skriniar looks to build on his recent good form after criticism that the Inter Milan defender doesn’t perform well for his nation.

Spain

Luis Enrique receives a timely boost as Sergio Busquets returns from his isolation period after testing positive for COVID-19. Rodri may be the man to make way if the Spanish captain returns to the starting lineup.

There is also a dilemma as to whether Enrique goes for Morata or Moreno in the centre forward role. Spain have struggled in front of goal, so the Spanish national team manager may give Ferran Torres a chance to lead the line.

Adama Traore could be pushing for a start to give the Spanish attack a different dimension with his pace and power.

Last time out

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These two nations last met in qualifying for Euro 2016. Jordi Alba opened the scoring with a header in the fifth minute. A typically flowing Spanish move between Andres Iniesta, Pedro and David Silva saw the Manchester City playmaker float a delightful ball onto the head of Alba for the opener.

Slovakia put up little resistance during the fixture and Iniesta doubled Spain’s lead from the penalty spot after Diego Costa was fouled by Matúš Kozáčik.

Despite Spain coming out on top in Oviedo, both teams went on to qualify for the tournament.

Head-to-head

Spain and Slovakia have faced each other on six occasions, with Spain winning four games, Slovakia winning one clash and one draw occurring in 2005.

Luis Enrique’s team are unbeaten in seven games, but five of those were draws. The Spanish fans will hope that their national side can continue that unbeaten run with a win against Slovakia.

Slovakia were unbeaten in six games before the 1-0 loss to Sweden last time out. Tarkovič will be aiming for his side to recover from their loss against the Swedes to end Spain’s Euro 2020 hopes and send his side to the knockout stages.

The pressure will be mainly on Spain to find a way to break down the Slovakian defence, while a positive result will be enough to send Slovakia through.

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