Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sweden 1 Slovakia 0 LIVE REACTION: Forsberg penalty secures Swedes vital three points in drab game – latest updates

      by

      EMIL FORSBERG secured Sweden a crucial three points with his late penalty in a 1-0 win over Slovakia at Euro 2020.Sweden now sit on four points and have all-hut confirmed a place in the knockout rounds, while Slovakia still have Spain to play.

      RESULT: Sweden 1 Slovakia 0
      Sweden XI: Olsen, Lustig, Lindelof, Danielson, Augustinsson, Larsson, Olsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Berg, Isak
      Slovakia XI: Dubravka, Pekarik, Satka, Duda, Hrosovsky, Skriniar, Hubocan, Hamsik, Kucka, Mak, Koscelnik

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      GOODBYE
      One goal was enough for Sweden – and they now have one foot in the last sixteen.
      Emil Forsberg’s late penalty settled a dreary encounter with Slovakia in Saint Petersburg, and now passes the pressure on to Spain and Poland, the big guns in Group E that play each other tomorrow.
      Before that, however, it’s all about Group D. Our live coverage of Croatia’s game against the Czech Republic, and the big one between England and Scotland are already up and running. You won’t want to miss them!
      SWEDES LEAD THE WAY
      Following this afternoon’s victory in Saint Petersburg, Sweden have leapfrogged Slovakia to sit top of Group E.
      With Spain and Poland in action tomorrow, there is the very real possibility that one of Europe’s top marksmen – Robert Lewandowski or Adama Traore – missing out on the knockout stages.
      UEFA.Com
      IMPRESSIVE ISAK
      Once again, Alexander Isak caught the eye for Sweden. The La Liga Young Player of the Year was a menace on the ball, and showed off his ability to beat players at will.
      6 – Alexander Isak completed six dribbles against Slovakia; the most by a player in a game at EURO 2020 so far, and the most by a Swedish player in a game at the tournament since Tomas Brolin at EURO 1992 (7 v Denmark). Slalom. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Kjb0vFeNGH— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 18, 2021

      FULL TIME STATS
      A second clean sheet for Sweden and a crucial victory. Slovakia had ten attempts on goal, but not one of them on target.

      FT: SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      Sweden claim a vital three points in Group E courtesy of Emil Forsberg’s second half penalty. Janne Andersson’s side were just about worth their victory for an improved performance after the interval, and leapfrog their opponents to take top spot.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      90+5. With time running out, Kucka lets fly with a decent effort from 35 yards. It’s as ambitious and it is desperate, and it’s no surprise to see it fly over the top of Olsen’s goal.
      Once a hopeful VAR check for handball in the box is complete, Slovakia accept that their chance has gone.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      90+4. Slovakia win another corner…
      …and here comes Dubravka.
      Benes’ corner is aimed towards the Slovkian goalkeeper too, but Koscelnik leaps in front of his teammate and sends it over.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      90+2. Sweden give away an unnecessary corner, and will have some more defending to do.
      Duda curls it out from the right, and finds Kucka at the back post. Before Slovakian fans can get too excited, however, the midfielder is penalised for a foul on Lindelof.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      90. It’s hope for Slovakia, and anguish for Sweden as five minutes of additional time are indicated by the fourth official.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      89. The Swedes eat up a few more seconds a double change.
      Pierre Bengtsson and Gustav Svensson are on for a piece of the action. Albin Ekdal and Ludwig Augustinsson head the other way.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      88. Relief for Sweden comes in the form of an unnecessary foul from Weiss which brings a booking for the Slovakia substitute.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      87. Chaos in the Sweden penalty area as those in yellow cling on to their lead at a Duda corner.
      Amid an almighty scramble, Hancko has two shots blocked before the Swedes manage to fully clear the danger.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      84. Slovakia’s final two changes as they go in search of an equaliser.
      The last throw of the dice brings Michal Duris and David Hancko into the action as Patrick Hrosovsky and Tomas Hubocan are withdrawn.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      82. Isak has a chance to seal the points but gets caught in two minds between shooting and playing in Quaisson.
      He delays before eventually striking at goal with a shot that’s diverted behind by Hubocan.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      80. A yellow card for Ondrej Duda. The former Norwich midfielder is cautioned for a late a challenge.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      79. Slovakia made a couple of substitutions either side of the penalty being taken with Marek Hamsik and Robert Mak off, and Vladamir Weiss and Laszlo Benes on.
      SWEDEN 1-0 SLOVAKIA
      77. Sweden lead with 13 minutes remaining!
      It’s a superb spotkick from Emil Forsberg, who plants his penalty into the right corner despite Martin Dubravka diving the right way.
      Anything less from Forsberg, and Dubravka would have made amends for his clumsy challenge on substitute Robin Quaison, whose pace ensured he was first to Alexander Isak’s flick around the corner ahead of the Slovakia goalkeeper.

      GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!EMIL FORSBERG SCORES FROM THE SPOT!!
      MARTIN DUBRAVKA BRINGS DOWN ROBIN QUAISON!PENALTY TO SWEDEN!

      SWEDEN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
      71. Isak! A tremendous run past three! Saved!
      The young forward shows wonderful skill on the left to control and turn away from two men before skipping around the sliding challenge of a third to enter the area.
      The Real Sociedad forward’s run has earnt him a shot at goal despite the tight angle, and his powerful thump towards the near post doesn’t disappointment. It takes a very smart Dubravka stop to keep him out.
      SWEDEN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
      70. Twenty minutes remaining and with Robert Lewandowski and Poland still to come, many are convinced that Sweden need to find a winner here.
      SWEDEN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
      67. Another half-chance for Isak, who gets the better of Satka in the air, but then nods Lustig’s cross over.
      SWEDEN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
      64. Some substitutions.
      Robin Quaison and Viktor Claesson are on for Sweden with Kristoffer Olsson and Marcus Berg making way.
      Slovakia make one too as Lukas Haraslin comes on for Peter Pekarik.
      SWEDEN 0-0 SLOVAKIA
      62. Sweden are knocking on the door.
      Isak goes for goal from outside of the box with a shot that’s deflected enough to deceive Dubravka in the Slovakia goal, but also enough to drop the wrong side of the post.
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 Group B LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Denmark, Finland and Russia all able to qualify with Belgium through

      by

      DENMARK head into their final group game against Russia looking for a win to qualify for Christian Eriksen.The Danes have lost both their opening games, after being forced to resume their game against Finland following Eriksen’s collapse and being narrowly beaten by Belgium.
      Kevin de Bruyne inspired Belgium to victory in DenmarkCredit: AP
      Belgium enter the final round of matches having already qualified and will look to secure top spot.
      Finland meanwhile, have a chance of qualifying as group winners if they surprise the Belgians, but could also finish bottom and go out.
      Group B live table

      How many teams qualify from Euro 2020 Group B?
      A minimum of two teams will qualify from Euro 2020 Group B.
      The best four third placed teams will also progress to the knockout stages.

      Group B fixtures and results
      Saturday, June 12
      Denmark 0 Finland 1
      Belgium 3 Russia 0
      Thursday, June 17
      Finland 0 Russia 1
      Denmark 1 Belgium 2
      Monday, June 21
      Russia vs Denmark (8pm) – Copenhagen
      Finland vs Belgium (8pm) – St Petersburg More

    • 100 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Which Euro 2020 teams have taken the knee?

      by

      EURO 2020 is here and one new feature of the tournament is the differing stance teams are taking against racism.England have become embroiled in a big row with the players condemning fans who booed them taking the knee against Austria and Romania.
      England will continue taking the knee throughout Euro 2020Credit: PA
      And manager Gareth Southgate said the players are even more determined to take the knee following the booing.
      Here are the gestures each of the 24 teams will be making during the tournament.
      Which teams are taking the knee at Euro 2020?
      England
      England will continue to take the knee during Euro 2020, as they have been since the murder of George Floyd last year.
      The team have stated that they believe the gesture is not a political one and designed simply to show support for racial equality.
      Gareth Southgate said: “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it is a political stand that they don’t agree with.
      “That is not the reason the players are doing it. We are supporting each other.”
      Wales
      Wales and France take the knee in a pre-Euro 2020 friendlyCredit: Reuters
      Wales have taken the knee over the past year and will continue to do so.
      Interim manager Rob Page said: “We had a meeting and we all think it’s still important to take the knee.
      “That’s the message we’ve given out. We’re all in it together and there were no issues.”
      Belgium
      Belgium are the only non-British team to announce they will take the knee throughout Euro 2020.
      Romelu Lukaku said of any negative reactions: “I don’t care. I fight for diversity.
      “Not only for the black community, also for the women. Colour, sexuality, faith, it doesn’t matter. Everybody should be respected.”
      Which teams have not taken the knee at Euro 2020?
      Hungary
      Hungary point to the Uefa Respect badge as Ireland take the kneeCredit: Reuters
      The Hungarian FA were the first association to confirm they will not take the knee at Euro 2020.
      In a statement they said they view the knee as a political gesture in defiance of Uefa and Fifa rules.
      It read: “The basic values ​​of the sport are equal opportunities, respect for the teammate and the opponent.
      “Football may have become the most popular sport in the world because it belongs to everyone.
      “The Hungarian national team not only follows the international rules and norms in all cases, but also pays tribute to everyone – be it an opponent, a fan or anyone else.
      “MLSZ has been fighting all forms of hatred for years as part of the ‘Hate is not a track’ campaign.
      “The rules of UEFA and FIFA do not allow politicization on the pitch and in the stadium either, which the MLSZ not only accepts but also agrees with.
      “The national team will not express its condemnation of any form of hatred by kneeling before the matches.”
      During their warm-up game against Ireland, Hungary pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on the sleeves of their shirts while the Irish team took the knee and were booed by a sizeable portion of the 15,000 crowd.
      The Republic of Ireland’s players were booed and jeered by some Hungary fans as they took a knee before kick-off in their friendly in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/15npHfKZcE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2021

      Croatia
      England’s first opponents at Euro 2020 did not take the knee but instead pointed to the Uefa Respect badge on their shirts.
      An official statement read: “CFF and the players are against any form of discrimination.
      “But the FA provides the players with the right to choose, as the act itself isn’t a part of Croatian culture and heritage.
      “The players chose not to kneel down before the Belgium game, but they’ve taken a respectful stance towards the gesture made by their Belgium colleagues.”
      Italy
      Italy have will not be taking the knee in any of their Euro 2020 games, according to reports from the country.
      In their opening two games against Switzerland and Turkey the two sides kicked off the match as normal.
      And when Wales take the knee in Rome, the Italians are set to stand against racism instead.
      Denmark
      Denmark did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland.
      They also chose to remain standing during the game against Belgium, but applauded the Belgian team for performing the gesture.
      Finland
      Finland did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark or their second game against Russia.
      It is not known whether they will do so when they play Belgium.
      Russia
      Russia did not take the knee in their opening game against Belgium.
      The crowd in St Petersburg were also heard booing the Belgian team, who did choose to kneel.
      Holland
      The Netherlands will not take the knee in any of their games, captain Georginio Wijnaldum has said.
      Wijnaldum, who has been taking the knee with Liverpool in Premier League games, commented: “We have talked about that but we decided not to do this.
      “We’re trying to bring attention to the issue in a different way. Actually, only the players who play in England are used to this [kneeling].”
      Austria
      Despite taking the knee in a warm-up game against England, Austria did not do so in their first Euro 2020 game against North Macedonia.
      It is not known whether they will kneel if the opposition does.
      North Macedonia
      North Macedonia did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opening game against Austria.
      Ukraine
      Ukraine did not take the knee before their opening Euro 2020 game against Holland.
      Czech Republic
      Czech Republic refused to take the knee in their game against Wales in March and are highly unlikely to do so at Euro 2020.
      The Czechs decided to point to the Uefa Respect logo in their sleeves on that occasion as a “neutral, apolitical gesture”.
      During their Euro 2020 opener against Scotland, neither side took the knee.
      The Czechs are thought to be less likely than ever to take the knee after being angered by the ten-game suspension Uefa handed down to defender Ondrej Kudela after he was found to have racially abused Rangers’ Glen Kamara.

      Spain
      While some La Liga players have shown solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the Spain team have never taken the knee and their clubs also tend not to.
      Real Madrid did not take the knee against Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City while Villarreal chose not to kneel against Man Utd in the Europa League final.
      When Granada played Man Utd, only Brazil winger Kenedy took the knee.
      Spain did not take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Sweden.
      Sweden
      Sweden did not take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Spain or their second game against Slovakia.
      Poland
      Poland point to their Uefa Respect badge as England take the kneeCredit: Getty
      Poland did not take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Slovakia.
      The gesture has been criticised by both the Polish FA president and sections of their support.
      The Poles refused to kneel against England and instead pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on their sleeves.
      Polish FA President Zbigniew Boniek labelled the gesture “populism” that “achieved nothing” and said: “I am absolutely against such actions.
      “Footballers sometimes kneel, and if you asked some of them why they were kneeling, they wouldn’t even know.”
      Slovakia
      Slovakia did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Poland or their second game against Sweden.
      The Slovaks took the knee against Ireland and Scotland last October but were criticised in the Slovakian parliament.
      After this, the country’s FA said the players had only taken the knee because they believed Uefa had instructed them to do so and would no longer perform the gesture.
      Portugal
      Portugal did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Hungary.
      It is not known whether they will kneel in any of their other games.

      France
      France took the knee in their first warm-up friendly against Wales but not in their second one against Bulgaria.
      However, they did not take the knee in their tournament opener against Germany.
      It is not known whether they will take the knee if the opposition does.
      Germany
      Bundesliga players took the knee after the murder of George Floyd last season.
      However, the national team have not been kneeling in 2021.
      The German team chose not to kneel before their game against France but it is not known whether they will kneel if they face an opposition who do.
      Which teams are taking the knee in some Euro 2020 games?

      Scotland have made their decision ahead of their opener against Czech Republic
      Scotland stars originally said that would NOT be taking a knee prior to their Euro 2020 matches.
      The Scottish FA have confirmed they will continue to promote an anti-racist message by standing before matches.
      But just a day later, they confirmed that they WILL in their match against England.
      Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
      “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”
      As per their announcement, Scotland did not kneel against the Czech Republic.

      Turkey
      Turkey did not take the knee in their opening match against Italy but did in their second game against Wales.
      Switzerland
      Switzerland did take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Wales but did not in their second game against Italy. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 Group E LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Sweden go top with Slovakia win as Spain prepare to face Poland

      by

      THE Euro 2020 group stage is reaching its business end and teams in Group E are battling for qualification for the last 16.Sweden have moved top of Group E with a 1-0 win over Slovakia putting them on the verge of qualifying.
      Sweden are in a strong position to qualifyCredit: AFP
      That came after they earned a 0-0 draw against Spain in Seville despite having just 15 per cent possession.
      The Spaniard face Poland next and could move top if they secure the right result.
      Group E live table

      How many teams qualify from Euro 2020 Group E?
      A minimum of two teams will qualify from Euro 2020 Group E.
      The best four third placed teams will also progress to the knockout stages.

      Group E fixtures and results
      Monday, June 14
      Poland 1 Slovakia 2
      Spain 0 Sweden 0
      Friday, June 18
      Sweden 1 Slovakia 0
      Saturday, June 19
      Spain vs Poland (8pm) – Seville
      Wednesday, June 23
      Slovakia vs Spain (5pm) – Seville
      Sweden vs Poland (5pm) – St Petersburg More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England fan who plastered his home with St George flags for Euro 2020 bombarded with threats to smash his WINDOWS

      by

      AN ENGLAND fan who plastered his home with St George flags for Euro 2020 has been bombarded with abuse.The dad covered his home in West Bromwich in 23 flags – but now is being showered with threats that his windows will be smashed.
      The 42-year-old had been recieving abuse after decorating his home in St George flags
      And the 42-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, doesn’t understand why he is being lashed out at for his patriotism.
      He told BlackCountryLive: “I didn’t do it to offend anyone – I just wanted to make people smile”.
      “I haven’t missed a single match since the Euros have started. 
      “I don’t drink so I don’t go to pub gardens, I just watch it from home with the family.
      ‘I’M NOT A HOOLIGAN’
      “Neighbours seem to love it and said well done but a few people said nasty things online and threatened to smash my windows.
      “I’m not a hooligan, I’m just a friendly person, anyone from any nationality can come.”
      The decorated home has certainly grabbing the attention of locals, but is now gathering fans from further afield.
      He continued: “The other day a bloke from Weymouth came to take pictures of the house.
      “Whenever there is a tournament like the Euros or World Cup I’ll stick the flags up. It’s not expensive, just a couple of quid per flag.
      “I like to see people smile, drivers have been beeping their horns and it makes people happy as they drive past.”
      The footie fan says he has been in love with the sport since the age of 12, when he began to support Manchester United.
      He added: “I had the flags so I thought I’d make use of them. I just wanted to make it look bright.
      “If I could afford to I would love to put up bunting of all the flags from the countries taking part in the tournament. I just want people to be happy and smile.

      “I don’t do it for attention, I don’t want to be popular, I just love football and want people to enjoy.
      “My eldest son loves football too but the others say: ‘Dad, you’ve embarrassed me’. 
      “They won’t walk through the front door and use the backdoor to get into the house.”
       England fans descend on London before Euros clash with Scotland More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans prefer BBC half-time show to Sweden vs Slovakia as Richards belts out karaoke and debates England team with Scott

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were loving BBC’S half-time show of Sweden vs Slovakia as Micah Richards belted out Usher’s hit song Nice & Slow.The Manchester City right-back was involved in a segment where Jack Grealish sang Robbies Williams’ No 1 song She’s The One.
      Fans were loving the BBC half-time show with pundits Ashley Williams, Alex Scott and Micah RichardsCredit: BBC

      And attention then turned to past initiation songs in the studio, where Wales’ Ashley Williams recalled singing Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston.
      Former Arsenal star Alex Scott revealed she never sang one, before Richards burst out with his rendition of Nice & Slow, with Williams joining in.
      And fans were loving it as they preferred the half-time show to the actual match, with Sweden and Slovakia going into the break at 0-0.
      Taking to social media, one supporter tweeted: “The half-time pundits have been the best part of this game.”
      Another remarked: “No highlights in the Sweden game so Micah Richards doing karaoke. You love too see it.”
      A third added: “Micah Richards is a gift and blessing to us all. Thank God for him too because this Sweden v Slovakia game is dead.”
      Meanwhile one quipped: “Micah Richards is impossible not to like. Singing Usher at half time during the most boring tie so far.”
      One then stated: “After the worst half of football in international history, the BBC had Micah Richards trying to wake everyone up at half-time singing Usher.”

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs SCOTLAND BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Richards delighted supporters with his rendition of Usher’s Nice & SlowCredit: BBC
      Richards and Scott were also involved in a debate over who should start against Scotland on Friday night at Wembley.
      The ex-Fiorentina loanee said: “It’s a dilemma we’ve got so much quality in the squad. [Kieran] Tripper played left-back and had an outstanding game.
      “But then do you bring in [Ben] Chilwell, or do you bring in [Luke] Shaw. For me I wouldn’t change a winning team, that’s just my personal view.”
      Scott then stated she would star Reece James at right-back, as she declared: “Reece James may be more attacking down that side.
      “Midfield I think [Declan] Rice and [Kalvin ] Phillips were outstanding and so I think you keep that balance right there.”
      Interjecting, Richards then said: “Grealish has got to start though! I’m saying I wouldn’t change the team because they got a great result, but Grealish just offers that something special. You’re talking about unlocking doors.”
      To which Scott asked: “So Phil Foden isn’t special?”
      Richards then hit back by saying: “I didn’t say that! Foden, Grealish, they’re both starting in my team.”

      England gaffer Gareth Southgate also discussed he will not give in to fan pressure to start certain players following the 1-0 win against Croatia.
      He said: “There’s a lot of decision making that goes into the game.
      “What’s the right balance of the team for any game depending on the opponent and where our players are at depending on their form.
      “What I have to do is make sure I’m not influenced by the noise around me.
      “Because if we start to change our mind because of public opinion, even the government gets elected on 38 per cent of the vote, so it’s not a root to go really.”
       England fans descend on London before Euros clash with Scotland More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Leaked’ Scotland team vs England sees Chelsea kid Gilmour START and Man Utd’s McTominay back in defence

      by

      A ‘LEAKED’ Scotland team has emerged on social media ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 crunch with England – and it contains Chelsea star Billy Gilmour. The former Rangers kid has yet to start a match for his country but social media is ablaze with suggestions that he will be thrown into the heat of battle against the Auld Enemy.
      Could Billy Gilmour be in line for his first start for Scotland?Credit: The Sun
      🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Read our live blog for all the Scotland latest at Euro 2020 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
      Tongues were wagging when sources south of the border claimed they knew the Scotland team which would be playing against England today.
      The team sees David Marshall starting in goal, with Stephen O’Donnell keeping his place at right back.
      With Kieran Tierney apparently confirmed as a starter on the left side of a back three, it was claimed that Scott McTominay and Grant Hanley will be fielded alongside him.
      That frees up a space for Gilmour to make a first start for his country in midfield, with Callum McGregor alongside him and John McGinn giving a more advanced posting.
      Steve Clarke has some big decisions to make ahead of kick-off
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 100/1 ON THREE-FOLD BET BUILDER ON TONIGHT’S ENGLAND V SCOTLAND CLASH
      According to the ‘leaked’ team, Che Adams comes in alongside Lyndon Dykes up top.
      Meanwhile, Scotland boss Steve Clarke has revealed how he caused an international incident by describing his two sons as English.
      Steve Clarke’s sons are proud Scots

      John and Joseph have lived south of the border all their days.
      Yet they’ve made it clear to their old man that tonight at Wembley there won’t be two prouder Scots.

      Clarke said: “I said in an interview my two boys were English. Wow, that was a mistake!
      “My eldest, John, was straight on the phone to me after he read that and said, ‘We’re not English, it’s just where we were born’.”
      Leaked Scotland team (5-3-2): Marshall; O’Donnell, McTominay, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson; Gilmour, McGinn, McGregor; Adams, Dykes.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

      Scotland fan dances NAKED in Hyde Park as Tartan Army chants ‘no Scotland, no Party’ More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sweden 1 Slovakia 0: Emil Forsberg penalty puts Swedes in Group E driving seat ahead of Spain at Euro 2020

      by

      NEWCASTLE keeper Martin Dubravka thought his heroics had won Slovakia a place in the last 16 of Euro 2020.Instead it was his foul on Robin Quaison, conceding a penalty, which leaves his country’s hopes of qualifying for the next stage hanging by a thread.
      Emil Forsberg hails his winning spot-kick for the SwedesCredit: AP
      Emil Forsberg tucks home a penalty on 77 minutes to see off SlovakiaCredit: Getty
      Emil Forsberg converted the 77th minute spot kick which, added to Sweden’s brave resistance against Spain to earn a goalless draw in their first game, puts them into the next stage.
      Slovakia meanwhile paid the price for a negative approach in Saint Petersburg, where they were happy to sit back and play out the game for a point.
      Having beaten Poland 2-1 in the first game that would have been enough for them.
      But it is always a dangerous game to play. The gamble did not pay off and they now face Spain in their final Group E game.
      Yet for a time it had looked like Dubravka had claimed the headlines for himself.
      What a save he produced in the 59th minute to deny Ludwig Augustinsson’s close ranger header.
      The delivery from Sweden captain Seb Larsson was perfection for Augustinsson to meet it with a powerful nod.

      Man Utd centre-back Victor Lindelof evades grounded Slovakia star Marek Hamsik as Sweden went top of the groupCredit: AP
      Dubravka was starting to go the wrong way but somehow adjusted his 6ft 3” flung out an arm and palmed the ball away.
      Teammate Milan Skriniar was first to him as they punched fists in recognition of the moment.
      He was at it again to deny Alexander Isak at the near post in the 72nd minute too.
      It would count for nothing though as moments later Isak’s clever flick forward put Robin Quaison  in and Dubravka came out to meet him.
      He knew quickly that he was going to be second to the ball and tried to pull out the challenge but Quaison collided with him and won the penalty.
      Dubravka went the right way to try and deny Forsberg but the kick was too good beyond his outstretched arm and in.
      It was a reward for Sweden’s positive approach in the second half after a dreadful first period from both sides.
      Sweden defender Ludwig Augustinsson and frontman Marcus Berg react to a miss, but there were smiles all round laterCredit: AFP
      Royal Ascot special 🏇🎩

      Real Sociedad star Isak, 21, came much more into the game and started to show why he was voted La Liga’s Young Player of the Year.
      Scorer of 17 goal last season he almost claimed a wonder goal just before the penalty as he weaved his from inside his own area aound five players and into the Slovakia area before having his show denied at the near post by Dubravka.
      A star who now has the chance to continue to shine in this tournament.
      Sweden’s RB Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg shows his frustration but eventually bagged the winnerCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
       England fans descend on London before Euros clash with Scotland More