Former champions hit form

Spain and Sweden have advanced from Group E at Euro 2020 at the expense of Slovakia and Poland.

Spain have recorded the biggest win of Euro 2020 to set up a last 16 match with Croatia.

The 2008 and 2012 champions have crushed a hapless Slovakia 5-0 in Seville being set on their way by a calamitous own-goal from keeper Martin Dubravka.

Aymeric Laporte headed in a second goal on the stroke of halftime before second-half goals from Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and a Juraj Kucka own goal rounded off an emphatic win that saw them finish second in Group E.

Luis Enrique’s side will next meet Croatia in Copenhagen on Monday while Slovakia head home.

Dubravka had made a stunning save to keep out an Alvaro Morata penalty but gave Spain the lead on the half-hour mark when he palmed the ball into his own net after a Sarabia shot had cannoned off the crossbar and looped back towards goal.

The goal, which came about after a misplaced pass from Slovakia’s shaky defence, eased any nerves Spain had of a shock exit after disappointing draws with Sweden and Poland.

“This was just what we needed. We came flying out of the blocks, and when we play like that we’re a very strong side,” said Spain captain Sergio Busquets, who missed the first two games following a COVID-19 positive

“Today was a huge boost for everyone, for the players, the fans. I’ve had a really bad time, 10 days at home without knowing if I could return. But now whatever will be will be.”

Photo: AFP

Sweden winger Emil Forsberg scored a double including the second fastest strike in European Championship history before Viktor Claesson’s stoppage-time goal helped them seal a 3-2 win over Poland and top spot in Group E.

Sweden will next face one of the third-placed sides from Groups B, C or D – Finland, Ukraine or the Czech Republic – in Glasgow on June 29.

It was a heartbreaking end to Poland’s campaign after they twice drew level through talismanic skipper Robert Lewandowski, whose 84th minute equaliser for 2-2 gave them a glimmer of hope.

“It was a rollercoaster emotionally. It was 2-0 and as calm as it could be, then they got back into the game and got two goals,” Claesson told Sweden’s TV4.

“From 2-1, there’s always pressure there. It’s hard to do anything but defend in those situations when they have that kind of momentum. We’ll hopefully get a slightly easier opponent in the last 16.”

– Reuters