Draw against Sweden: Spain starts unsuccessfully

Enlarge image

Spain's Álvaro Morata in a duel with Sweden's Albin Ekdal

Photo:

JOEL MARKLUND / imago images / Bildbyran

The Spanish national football team did not get beyond a goalless draw in their European Championship opening game against Sweden.

Both teams had to fight with corona cases before the European Championship, with Spain missing captain Sergio Busquets, with Sweden among others star player Dejan Kulusevski.

That was noticeable from the teams in the Olympic Stadium in Seville.

The Swedes were careful from the start not to concede a goal and were deep. Spain tried again and again with crosses from the half-fields in the first half to put either Dani Olmo or Álvaro Morata in the limelight. Olmo actually failed after one of these crosses with his head at the brilliantly reacting Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen (16). Morata shot free in front of Olsen to the right (38th).

Although Sweden barely made it into the opposing half, Alexander Isak provided the greatest opportunity: In the penalty area, the former Borussia Dortmund striker came to the ball, his first attempt was still blocked, in the second attempt Isak put the ball on goal and past keeper Unai Simón. The rushed back Marcos Llorente steered the ball on the line against the post, from which the ball bounced into the arms of Simón (41.).

A similar picture emerged in the second round.

Spain ran up but failed to put the ball in the goal.

The ball fell to Morata's feet in the 50th minute at the edge of the penalty area, but he passed the ball to the left of the goal (50th).

On the other hand, Isak stood out again as he dribbled free against three opponents in the Spanish penalty area and passed the ball sharply on the second post.

However, his strike partner Markus Berg did not put the ball in the goal (61.).

Olsen secures point for Sweden in the closing stages

In the final phase, both coaches changed hands.

Spain continued to dominate the game, but missed the greatest chance through Gerard Moreno, the substitute striker failed with a header at Olsen (90 + 1).

Without the substituted Isak (69th), Sweden lacked the power in switching situations and saved the point over time.

The Spanish corona cases had caused a political issue before the game.

The Spanish internationals were vaccinated at short notice on Friday, although the vaccination only takes effect after 14 days and possible side effects could affect performance.

In addition, the decision as to whether the vaccination progress was controversial in Spain, but because it was not clear how severely the team is affected, the Spanish government decided to take the step.

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