UEFA EURO 2020 – Slovakia vs Spain Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Slovakia vs Spain kick off? Wednesday 23rd June, 2021 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Slovakia vs Spain being played? Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla, Sevilla
Where can I get tickets for Slovakia vs Spain? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Slovakia vs Spain on in the UK? ITV
Where can I stream Slovakia vs Spain in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Slovakia 1 win, Spain 4 wins, 1 draw
Last meeting: Spain 2-0 Slovakia (05/09/15)
THE LOWDOWN
SLOVAKIA
- Stefan Tarkovic’s side will be through should they hold Spain to at least a point in this match. They came within 15 minutes of getting that blessed point against Sweden before the concession of a late penalty gave Sweden victory.
- They have now gone two matches without a clean sheet but it would be daft to suggest they are not defensively solid. Inter Milan’s Serie A winning centre-back Milan Skriniar at the heart of the defence with Patrik Hrosovsky and Juraj Kucka in the midfield gives the Slovaks an extremely solid and deep base.
- Slovakia did manage to make it out of their Euro 2016 group by holding England to a goalless draw and progressing as a third-placed side; this would need something similar.
SPAIN
- Alvaro Morata was heavily backed by manager Luis Enrique and, although he scored, he still missed some golden opportunities. Gerard Moreno did come into the side but played on the right-hand side. There have been suggestions in the Spanish media that Adama Traore is due a start so one of Morata or Moreno is likely to make way unless Enrique was to go extremely attacking and leave Dani Olmo out.
- If Poland were to beat Sweden then Spain must win this match or they would be out as the bottom-placed team in the group with a draw or a defeat. Their opening two matches have seen La Roja dominate the possession but be both toothless and wasteful in front of goal.
- Sergio Busquets has returned to the squad after having to isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test but he is unlikely to come straight into the team because he is not yet match-fit.
THE TEAM NEWS
SLOVAKIA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Hubocan; Kucka, Hrosovsky; Weiss, Hamsik, Mak; Duda
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Simon; M. Llorente, P. Torres, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; Gerard Moreno, Morata, Ferran Torres
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Slovakia have conceded more than one goal in only one of their last seven international matches – Spain under 1.5 goals
- Spain have lost only one of their last 26 international matches (W15 D10 L1) – Spain or Draw (Double chance)
- Spain have won four of their previous six matches against Slovakia – Spain to win
- Spain have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last 26 international matches – Slovakia under 1.5 goals
- Four of Spain’s last five EURO final tournament goals have been scored by Alvaro Morata – Alvaro Morata to score anytime
THE PREDICTION
This match could feel like a long one as Slovakia come into this with an extreme defensive solidity. Admittedly this isn’t exactly objective analysis but their defeat to Sweden last Friday is in the mix to be one of, if not the, dullest match of the tournament so far. They are coming up against a Spanish side that have managed just one goal in their opening two matches despite having 86% of the possession against Sweden and 77% against Poland. Spain will probably find a way through the Slovakian defence, as both Sweden and Poland have done, but it is unlikely to be high-scoring.
Tip: SPAIN TO WIN
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
