Spain 0-0 Sweden
The chances came and the chances went in this Group E opener at Euro 2020 between two nations renewing acquaintances.
A clash between Scandinavians and hosts who, as the fourth official signalled six minutes of stoppage time, had dominated with 84-per cent possession.
The scene was set for a hero to deliver, to break down the solid Yellow Wall, and the SBOTOP Euro 2020 betting odds backed Spain all the way.
Yet in the sweltering heat of Sevilla, the spirited Swedes – a dogged nation stronger collectively than individually – refused to be breached.
Highlights of the game
Home coach Luis Enrique, who was refusing to use the COVID-19 chaos which has engulfed the squad act as an excuse, sprang a few surprises with Barcelona youngster Pedri starting and Dani Olmo given the nod in attack ahead of Gerard Moreno who scored 30 goals for Villarreal this season.
Captain Sergio Busquets had already been ruled out due to a positive coronavirus test that meant he was still self-isolating.
Leeds defender Diego Llorente, who recorded a false positive and has since rejoined the group, was named on the bench.
Sweden, captained by former Arsenal, Birmingham, Hull, and Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson, were without youngsters Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg, who had also received positive COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, Marcus Berg partnered youngster Alexander Isak in attack.
A confident home start saw Spain control possession from the off and the first of many Euro 2020 highlights saw Robin Olsen keep out Olmo’s close range header.
Koke then saw an effort fly narrowly wide before the same player blazed high when he should have hit the target.
A rare error from defender Marcus Danielson let in Alvaro Morata shortly afterwards but the one-time Chelsea man rifled the ball wide.
Spanish profligacy nearly came back to haunt them moments later as an Isak shot deflected off Marcos Llorente onto the post and rebounded into the arms of goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Morata went close at the start of the second period before Sweden again threatened on the hour.
Isak showed superb feet to keep the ball despite the close attentions of three defenders and found strike partner Berg who blazed over under pressure when he really should have scored.
That rare attack aside, the home dominance continued but Sweden held firm and when Olsen got in the way of a header from sub Moreno, they had their hard-earned point – a victory for resilience and commitment.
Big on discipline, coach Janne Andersson has been a huge success since taking over in 2016.
During the World Cup in 2018, Sweden even had specific hotdog buns and Andersson’s favourite cucumber condiment flown in from his homeland to meet his culinary cravings.
His attention to detail on and off the pitch is acknowledged and seemingly paying dividends.
This was another milestone.
Key statistics
Pedri became the youngest Spanish player to appear in a major tournament (18 years, 201 days) surpassing Cesc Fabregas vs Ukraine at the 2006 World Cup (19 years, 41 days).
Spain have won only one of their last six opening matches at a major tournament, a 1-0 win over Czech Republic at Euro 2016.
Before tonight, Sweden’s only draw away to Spain came in Bilbao, in a friendly international in November 1953.
This was the fourth meeting between Spain and Sweden at a major tournament. Spain won 2-1 at Euro 2008 and 1-0 at the 1978 World Cup. Sweden won the first meeting between the two sides at a finals – a 3-1 triumph at the 1950 World Cup.
Sweden have lost six of their last nine European Championships matches (W1, D2), with their only win coming against France in 2012.
Sweden last made the knockout stages in 2004 before losing a penalty shootout to the Netherlands.
What’s next?
Spain welcome Poland to Sevilla on Saturday night (June 19) for their next Group E encounter.
Sweden are in action a day earlier as they play Slovakia in the Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg.
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