Uncorking the cava: Spain vs Slovakia

[anton pulisov]

Heja Polen

[Satchmo Distel]

I think Spain had already, before this round of games, created more chances than any other team in the tournament. They certainly have now. Weakest group though.

[Ray de Galles]

Daft game of football!

[ad hoc]

Sweden score at the death to win the group

[anton pulisov]

oh fuck off

[anton pulisov]

wait, hold on, Finland to knock out Sweden? sign me up

[Satchmo Distel]

Sweden play Ukraine and Spain play Croatia, so both sides ought to be happy with their path to the QFs. Group E supplying two Q-Finalists is not something I'd have predicted a few days ago.

[Discordant Resonance]

Portugal also through, bar the unlikely event of them now losing by four goals.

[Sean of the Shed]

Portugal also through, bar the unlikely event of them now losing by four goals.

Unless France and Hungary win, which would see Portugal finishing fourth.

[jameswba]

If jameswba put any money on 5-0 I'd cash out now as I don't think Spain are finished, here.

I wish I had, though Spain could have scored any number really.

This performance was in line with much of what Slovakia produced pre-tournament. It was their first-half showing vs Poland that was the outlier. It will probably be the end of the line for at least four of that starting XI ; Pekarik, Hubocan, Kucka, Hamsik. All fine servants and one of Europe's best players of the last 10 years. But all in their mid-30s.

Other than Skriniar, the next generation (mid-late 20s age-group) resolutely refuses to string two competent performances together. I wouldn't expect to see Slovakia at a finals again any time soon.

[Satchmo Distel]

I suppose this answers why Spain's odds didn't go out after the two draws.

[Gangster Octopus]

But you've missed...

Dirty trick editing...

[scratchmonkey]

Laughing at Berg still complaining at Claesson for not passing the ball to him even after scoring the winning goal.