Five-star Spain reach Euro 2020 knockout stage as Poland crashes out despite Lewandowski heroics
By AFP
PARIS: Spain found their form at the right time on Wednesday, crushing Slovakia 5-0 in Seville to qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2020 before holders Portugal and Germany try to join them in the knockout phase.
On the last day of group-stage action Spain benefited from two own goals as they swept through to the next round as runners-up in Group E behind Sweden, while Ukraine progressed without playing.
Having already qualified, Sweden secured top spot in their group only after scoring late to win 3-2 against Poland, for whom a Robert Lewandowski double was not enough in Saint Petersburg.
Spain had drawn their first two matches in the competition despite having home advantage in Seville, but coach Luis Enrique warned on the eve of facing Slovakia that his team were “like a bottle of cava that is about to be uncorked”.
For the second consecutive game they contrived to miss a penalty as Alvaro Morata’s effort following a foul on Koke was saved by Martin Dubravka.
