Spain aim to be more clinical when they face Poland in their second Euro 2020 fixture

Spain’s Euro 2020 opener against Sweden was characterized by a chronic lack of efficiency and clinical instincts in front of goal. They made a Euro record 917 passes in that match against Sweden and had 85 percent possession of the ball.

But despite their best efforts and even after creating several chances, they had nothing to show for it on the scoresheet.

Facing Poland in their second Euro 2020 fixture, La Roja are unlikely to change their game-plan. Luis Enrique defended his side’s approach following the 0-0 stalemate with Sweden and mentioned that he will try the same approach against Poland. “We try to play the same way in every match,” said the former Spain player.

However, he wants his strikers and forwards to be more clinical in front of goal. Alvaro Morata was made the scapegoat after the first match, having missed several key chances. He also missed a one-on-one against the keeper.

Despite this, Morata might get the start once again for Spain. His teammates have been trying to lift him up and earlier Aymeric Laporte told the press that Morata will ‘shut people up’ soon.

Now Pablo Sarabia has come to Morata’s defence. “All of us are responsible for attack and defence and he made some very good interventions in defence. I grew up with him and he’s a spectacular player, his numbers show that,” midfielder Pablo Sarabia told reporters on Thursday.

Spain should expect more threat on goal from Poland who are led by the fantastic Robert Lewandowski. Against Sweden, nobody except young Alexander Isak carried much goal-threat. Tackling Lewandowski, however, could prove to be difficult as he rarely misses any chances.

“We’re expecting a team that will sit way back but who have great players up front. I’m sure they’re going to demand a lot of us,” added Sarabia.
“They might copy how Sweden played but we know what we’re good at doing and we’re going to try and get the most out of the way we play.

“It’s difficult to play against a team where everyone defends in their own half but that’s where we need to show quality, be patient and wait for gaps to appear,” Sarabia concluded.

Poland will be without the services of midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak who was sent off against Slovakia. Spain, on the other hand, will welcome the return of captain Sergio Busquets who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19 and had to spend several days in quarantine.