Spain 1-1 Poland
Spain’s rough start to Euro 2020 continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland. Robert Lewandowski rescued a point for the Poles as he scored the equaliser after the under-fire Alvaro Morata had fired La Roja ahead.
The Spanish had a chance to regain the lead from the penalty spot, but Gerard Moreno hit the post and Morata missed a wide-open goal on the rebound.
The result leaves both Spain and Poland facing a potential must-win situation in their final group matches in order to qualify for the knockout phase.
Highlights of the game
Despite Alvaro Morata’s disastrous finishing performance in their scoreless draw against Sweden, Spain manager Luis Enrique decided to stick with the under-fire striker from the start against Poland. Gerard Moreno, who was tipped to replace Morata up front, instead started alongside him as Ferran Torres fell to the bench.
Poland produced the first meaningful chance of the match six minutes in. Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich had Unai Simon somewhat concerned with his long-range shot that went just over the bar.
But the Spanish gradually started to exert their control on the match, and they would find themselves ahead after 25 minutes.
After Moreno delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, it was that man Morata who silenced his critics by scoring the opening goal. The linesman had initially judged Morata to be offside, but VAR corrected the decision and gave Morata the goal.
Spain came close to doubling their lead when Moreno sent a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area just wide.
Poland came close themselves moments later as Robert Lewandowski, normally the finisher, turned provider for strike partner Karol Swiderski, who couldn’t quite direct the cross toward goal.
The Poles then had two more glorious opportunities to equalise four minutes from halftime. Swiderski’s thunderous shot crashed off the post and luckily landed into the path of Lewandowski, but the Bayern superstar failed to put the rebound past Unai Simon.
Spain would also get their turn to miss a massive chance just before the break. After a great cross from Jordi Alba, Moreno missed Wojciech Szczesny’s near post with his first-time shot.
La Roja would be left to rue Moreno’s miss as Poland equalised nine minutes into the second half. Right wing-back Kamil Jozwiak’s cross found Lewandowski, who outmuscled Spain centre-back Aymeric Laporte and headed the ball in past the diving Simon.
Spain had a sensational chance to strike back immediately after the goal, though, as they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Gerard Moreno.
The Villarreal striker stepped up to take the penalty himself, but he hit the post. The rebound fortuitously bounced straight at the onrushing Morata, who then completely missed a wide-open goal.
And despite a half-hour left in the match, Spain disappointingly did not create many other chances as Poland successfully clung on to a valuable point.
Key statistics
Much like their opening match against Sweden, Spain dominated possession with 76 per cent of the ball and produced a decent amount of Euro 2020 highlights with 12 total shots, five on target. But once again, they just couldn’t convert enough of them to grab all three points.
Morata improves his surprisingly impressive scoring record for his country to 20 goals in just 42 caps, which puts him just outside the top 10 among all-time Spain top scorers.
Not to be outdone, Lewandowski is up to 67 goals in 121 and became the first Polish player to score in three different major international tournaments. Although, his goal was only the third he’s scored in 13 World Cup and European Championship matches.
Meanwhile, Moreno’s penalty miss was the fourth-straight spot-kick Spain have failed to convert, the first time that has happened in their international history.
And finally, Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski (17 years, 246 days) came on as a substitute and became the youngest player in Euros history, grabbing the record England’s Jude Bellingham set in their win over Croatia just a few days ago.
What’s next?
Because of this draw, it’s still all to play for in Group E heading into the final round of group matches. Spain, who are currently on two points after back-to-back draws, most likely need to beat Slovakia in order to qualify.
The Euro 2020 betting odds should have Spain as significant favourites to win, although their lack of clinical finishing certainly does not inspire much confidence in their chances of getting all three points. Stay tuned for SBOTOP’s comprehensive preview of that crucial match.
Meanwhile, Poland can still make it through to the round of 16 if they beat current group leaders Sweden in their group finale.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
