#Euro2020 Review: MATCHDAY 4
Day 4 of #Euro2020 was just as good as the rest we have seen so far. We saw three games today, including the debut of a Scottish team full of mystery versus an older Czech Republic side. Seen our first red card in Poland and Slovakia, and finally we seen the debut of a younger Spanish team vs an older Swedish team.
Scotland vs Czech Republic | Group D – Matchday 1 | Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland opened their first major tournament in 23 years with a loss to Czech Republic. The goals came in the 42nd and 52nd minutes. Both were scored by Patrik Schick including a goal of the tournament with a goal from 54 yards out. Schick was the most impactful player in this game. I do not think it was a question who the best player was. This was the first brace for Czech Republic since 2004 in the Euros.
When everyone saw this game when the groups were released. Everyone thought Scotland could be a team that could cause mischief. They could not cause Czech Republic any mischief, but they still could cause some mischief because they still have to play the group favorites England and projected second place team Croatia.
Scotland won the possession battle, out-possessing Czech Republic 56%-44%, while Scotland had five shots on goal, but Czech Republic had seven shots on goal. Both teams had six corners, but it was clear who the better team was.
With the win for Czech Republic, they move top of the group on goal difference. Czech Republic will play Croatia on Friday, while Scotland will play England on Friday after Czech Republic and Croatia play.
Poland vs Slovakia | Group E – Matchday 1 | Saint Petersburg, Russia
Before this game came on, I was saying that this game could easily be a classic just because of the players in each squad. Poland has the likes of Wojciech Szczesny, Kamil Glik, Robert Lewandowski, and others. Slovakia has the likes of Martin Dubravka, Marek Hamsik, Ondrej Duda, Milan Skriniar, and others.
The scoring started early with an own goal by Wojciech Szczesny in the 18th minute. Robert Mak nutmegged a Polish defender which led to the own goal. Then out of nowhere, Karol Linetty scores for Poland to tie the game up. Disaster struck for Poland in the 62nd minute. A second yellow for Grzegorz Krychowiak gave us our first red card in the #Euro2020. It was very unfortunate for the Polish. Seven minutes later, Milan Skriniar scores off a corner and gives the Slovakians the lead. That would end up being the game winner for Slovakia.
This game fulfilled my expectations. This was another case of the losing team winning the possession battle, Poland out-possessed Slovakia 56%-44%, with the teams getting a combined five shots on goal. Slovakia had two shots on goal and scored both of them.
With the win, Slovakia went on top of Group E. While Poland drops to bottom. Now we await the results of Spain vs Sweden.
Spain vs Sweden | Group E – Matchday 1 | Sevilla, Spain
This game was a shocking result to most soccer fans around the world. Everyone was probably expecting a better game then we got. At the end of the day, it was a 0-0 draw. The first 0-0 draw of the #Euro2020.
If we are being honest here, this game should of went in favor of Spain, but Sweden will take this result all day long. Spain absolutely destroyed Sweden in the possession battle, they out-possessed Sweden 75%-25%, while Spain had five shots on goal, meanwhile Sweden had zero shots on goal.
This was a defensive battle for Sweden. They had to deal with attack after attack. I was a goalkeeper growing up and I have to give Robin Olsen some credit. The saves he made in the last minutes in the game were crucial. The pressure that Spain had in the extra six minutes of stoppage time were insane, I am amazed that Spain did not score. Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno, and Pablo Sarabia had shots in front of the goal that should have been goals, but the Swedish defense stayed stable and earned a tough point in Spain.
After today, Spain and Sweden occupy second and third place after the draw, while Slovakia has total control of first place after beating Poland 2-1.
Check back here tomorrow for another update just like this one on the previous days' matches! Also follow us at @SSN_Soccer for more up-to-date content from #Euro2020 and Copa America!