Euro 2020 Round Up: Claesson ends Poland hopes; Spain thump Slovakia 5-0 to seal last 16 spot

Sweden headed into their third and last game in Group E against Poland seeking to secure the point that would maintain their lead at the top of an intriguing group at Euro 2020.

An already qualified Swedes marched into the knockout phase on Wednesday at St Petersburg after an exciting last-minute strike from Viktor Claesson ended Poland’s campaign.

Though the Swedes will progress if they simply avoid defeat, their opponents must win to snatch a place in the top two, having picked up a solitary point from their first two games.

Spain, a pre-tournament favorite, looking for a first win at the Euros did not settle for anything less than a win against Slovakia at Seville.

RESULTS 

Group E 

Slovakia 0 – 5 Spain

Sweden 3 – 2 Poland 

SUMMARY

Forsberg at the double as Sweden tame Poland in a last-ditch 3-2 victory

Sweden secured an automatic qualification into the knock out phase of the Euros after an exciting 3 – 2 win over Poland at Saint Petersburg stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

Emil Forsberg scored twice before Viktor Claesson struck in added time to strike out Polish striker Robert Lewandowski’s brace, to seal top spot in Group E for the The Blue and Yellow and ended Poland’s hopes of progressing to the round of 16 in a five-goal thriller in Saint Petersburg.

Poland needed an automatic win against already-qualified Sweden in order to advance but that was cut short by the Swedes.

Sweden tops Group E with seven points after a 3-2 win over Poland; Spain finished second with five points after the first tournament win against Slovakia.

Sweden will now face Ukraine, one of the third-placed sides from Groups B, in Glasgow on June 29.

Spain thrash Slovakia 5 – 0 to breathe life back into Euros campaign

Spain were at real risk of missing out on the Euro 2020 knockout stages after they fluffed their lines against Poland in game 2.

The 2008 and 2012 European champions played out two drawn matches against Sweden and Poland.

Spain needed to settle for nothing less than a win against Slovakia to be sure of reaching the knockout phase, although a draw would be enough to qualify as a best third-placed team, provided Poland failed to beat Sweden in Saint Petersburg.

Slovakia also needed a point to be certain of progressing but their hopes to beat Spain again like it did in 2014 by ending “La Roja’s” 36-​match unbeaten run in qualifying for a European Championship, was stunned in a 5 – 0 thrashing by Spain.

Spain revived their Euro 2020 campaign and they are now placed second in Group E with five points.

They travel to Copenhagen to take on Croatia on Monday June 28.

Group E Standings after Game 3

ROUND OF 16 STARTS (Saturday 26 June 2021)

Wales vs Denmark – Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam 4PM

The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam plays host to the first of the Euro 2020 last-16 ties on Saturday evening as Wales take on Denmark.

Wales finished second to Italy in Group A, while Denmark defied the odds to finish as runners-up to Belgium in Group B despite losing their first two games.

Italy vs Austria – Wembley Stadium, London 7PM

Italy heads to Wembley Stadium as they look forward to maintain their record unbeaten 30-game run against an impressive Welsh side.

Italy topped Group A after a 100% straight win whiles Austria entered a first ever knockout round at the European Championship in Group after 0-1 win over Ukraine in their last group game.

Austria finished second in Group C with six points and will be having a tough test when they face next Italy in London on Saturday.

Acknowledgement: Betway Ghana ( Headline Sponsor)

Mark F. | SilverFM