Spain Stifled As Swedes Grind Out Grim Draw News

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Spain Stifled As Swedes Grind Out Grim Draw

By Daily sports on June 15, 2021

Spain tried to pass Sweden into oblivion in their Euro 2020 opener on Monday but had to settle for a 0-0 draw as they were let down by poor finishing and might have even lost had it not been for a glaring miss by opposing striker Marcus Berg.

Alvaro Morata spurned Spain’s best opportunity in a dominant first half display from Luis Enrique's side on a scorching evening at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium in Group E when he missed the target from inside the area after a defensive slip.

But Sweden’s Berg was equally wasteful when he somehow missed the target after a sensational piece of skill and cross from fellow forward Alexander Isak, who had manoeuvred his way past four Spain defenders to put the chance on a plate.

Spain ran out of steam in the second half before rallying again late on but still failed to beat Sweden keeper Robin Olsen, who thwarted substitute Gerard Moreno in stoppage time.

“We had a lot of chances but we couldn’t finish them off,” said Spain coach Luis Enrique.

“I feel bad for the players and fans as we were the better team against a side who decided to close ranks in defence, who are very strong physically and who only tried to attack with the odd long ball.”

This was a deeply frustrating start to the tournament for three-time European champions Spain, who broke a competition record with 917 passes while keeping 85 per cent possession but failed to win their first game for the fifth time in their last six major tournament appearances.

“If we played like that in 10 games we’d have won nine,” added Spain defender Aymeric Laporte.

Sweden’s Victor Lindelof saw things differently, stressing Spain’s dominance counted for nothing.

“We don’t care too much about how many passes they have as long as they don’t have too much time in the centre. At the end of the day it is about scoring goals and not conceding any,” he said.

“They had a lot of possession but the longer the game went on the more frustrated they became, which was good for us.”

Slovakia are the unlikely leaders of Group E after beating Poland 2-1 earlier on Monday. They face Sweden next on Friday, while Spain meet Poland. (Reuters)

•PHOTO: Spain players

Source Daily sports

Posted June 15, 2021