Spain sends its national team to an early final against Slovakia: A fight to the death!

It was expected that the Spanish would collect 9 points in this manageable group and prepare for the eighth round. But all is different, after two draws Spain will be fighting to avoid being knocked out of the tournament in their match against Slovakia.

Only twice in the 21st century has Spain failed to advance out of the group stage at a major tournament. European Championship 2000 – quarter-finals, European Championship 2002 – quarter-finals, European Championship 2004 – group, European Championship 2006 – eighth-finals, European Championship 2008 – winner, European Championship 2010 – winner, European Championship 2012 – winner, European Championship 2014 – group, European Championship 2016 – eighth-finals, European Championship 2018 – eighth-finals.

These are the results of the Spanish national team. Failure is not accepted in this footballing country, criticism is often beyond proportion. If it is said that there are 10 million coaches in the Czech Republic at the time of the championship, there are 50 in Spain. And extremely strict.

“La Furia Roja”, as the Spanish national team is nicknamed, means an awful lot to the temperamental Spaniards. That’s why the idea of being relegated in a group with Slovakia, Sweden and Poland is terrifying for them.

That’s why the Spanish newspapers have mobilised all their forces and are sending Luis Enrique’s squad on the run. “We must believe,” exclaims AS. “To the death,” says Mundo Deportivo. “We believe in you,” urges Marca. “Spain faces Slovakia in its first final of the tournament, ” adds the Madrid daily.

Spain is in a rather unflattering situation. The promotion is still in their hands, but not first place. If the Swedes win against Poland, they will secure first place. Alternatively, even a draw would be enough for them to take the top spot, unless the Spaniards beat Slovakia by more than a goal and score more goals.

The Spanish cannot afford a draw, a draw would take them out of the tournament. Slovakia, on the other hand, will be counting on it, as a draw would see them qualify for the eighth round.

Luis Enrique is expected to make some changes to the line-up, according to Spanish media. Busquets is expected to return to the line-up, while other changes are expected. Spain will face an early final against the Slovaks and anything other than a win would be a huge disappointment.

Source: El Chirinquito, Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo