The matter is straight forward – Spain will have to defeat Slovakia on Wednesday to guarantee their place in the last 16.
A bright start against Sweden fizzled out in the second half while a missed penalty against Poland turned a decent display into one paralysed by anxiety and tension. “This country has won the Euro and the World Cup but in this squad there are many youngsters,” Cesar Azpilicueta said on Monday. “There are several captains in our team, we know how to act and everyone is going to give their all on Wednesday.”
Captain Sergio Busquets is expected to return following his negative Covid-19 test. Busquets has not played in either of Spain’s first two matches.
Spain are pinning their hopes on a similar transformation after two disappointing draws against Sweden and Poland mean they currently sit third, a point behind Slovakia and two behind Sweden in Group E.
“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” said Azpilicueta.
Portugal
However, they must ensure they don’t lose to France by more than a two-goal margin. In such a case, they will definitely qualify to the Round of 16 regardless of the result of matches in Group D and E.
In case Portugal lose to France, they will finish third. But since they already have a better goal difference than Finland and Ukraine (both of whom have played their group stage matches), Portugal are all but qualified as one of the best-third placed teams.
If they lose by a three goal margin or more, then they will have to depend on results in Group D or E.
