Slovakia vs Spain
La Roja are on red alert. After picking up just two points in their first two Euro 2020 group games due to some poor finishing, Spain now find themselves in danger of crashing out in the group stage. They need a win in their final group game to secure qualification to the knockout round.
Standing in their way are Slovakia, who are one point ahead of Spain in Group E and just need a draw to ensure their spot in the last 16.
Despite Spain’s problems, Euro 2020 betting odds still have them as overwhelming favourites to beat Slovakia. But their faulty finishing still leaves significant concerns over their chances of getting that much-needed win.
Talking Points
Slovakia can get back to their strength
Slovakia are one point away from reaching the round of 16 of the European Championship for the second tournament running. The Slovaks made it through to the knockouts of Euro 2016 by being the best of the third-placed teams, but they can make it automatically as one of the top two teams in Group E this time around.
Slovakia are in good shape to qualify after their 2-1 win over Poland in their tournament opener. They then lost 1-0 to Sweden despite controlling nearly 60 per cent possession. The Slovaks struggled to create many chances; they could only get 10 shots away, none of which were on target.
However, Slovakia will be playing more to their strength – defending – against Spain, who love to dominate possession. And with the Slovaks only needing a point to secure qualification, expect them to be even more cautious in this match.
Coach Stefan Tarkovic will most likely set his side up to defend for long stretches, while making the most out of their chances to counterattack. With the likes of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and star centre-back Milan Skriniar, they do have the personnel to make things tough for a Spanish side that has struggled to break teams down in this tournament.
Spain need shooting boots on
Spain are in serious trouble now. After wasting countless chances to win against Sweden and missing a penalty in Poland, they now face the very real possibility of crashing out of Euro 2020 if they do not beat Slovakia.
Coach Luis Enrique can take a few positives in their recent draw against Poland, though. Alvaro Morata scored despite the heavy criticism he has received. And Gerard Moreno, whom Enrique started out on the wing, set up the goal. Although, the two strikers also did miss their chances to score the crucial penalty.
Spain have absolutely dominated possession in this tournament – over 70 per cent in both matches – and have been able to create Euro 2020 highlights consistently; their big problem has been converting them. But since they need to win to seal their place in the last 16, perhaps Luis Enrique will decide to push even more men forward.
Luis Enrique could also decide to make a few more changes for this crucial match. Sergio Busquets, who just returned to the squad after contracting COVID-19, and Thiago Alcantara could be handed starts to add more incisive passing in midfield. Dani Olmo could also be replaced on the left wing after his quiet showing against Poland.
History
Spain and Slovakia have only met six times in their history. Unsurprisingly, Spain hold a 4-1 edge in terms of wins, with one draw.
The two countries were in the same group during Euro 2016 qualifying. Slovakia stunned the Spanish by beating them 2-1 at home in 2014. However, Spain got their revenge by getting a 2-0 win at home thanks to goals from Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta.
Betting Tip
 |
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Slovakia vs Spain | Under 2.50 @ 2.25 |
| June 24, 00:00 (GMT+8) |
Amid Spain’s scoring struggles, SBOTOP odds still have them priced as massive 1.22 favourites to get the win they need to qualify. Slovakia are significant underdogs at 10.00, while a draw also has long odds at 6.20.
If there is to be a winner in this match, it will most likely be Spain. They will dominate possession and create chances like they have during their first two games of the tournament. But because of their finishing issues, Slovakia have a decent chance of getting the draw they need.
Either way, though, I do not anticipate too many goals in this match. Slovakia will make things as hard as possible for Spain’s already struggling strikers to score, so this is likely to be quite a low-scoring affair.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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