Three-time champions Spain are one of the favourites for the Euro 2020 tournament but they didn’t justify that tag after they were held to a goalless draw at home by a Sweden team marshalled by Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof at the back in Seville. Spain could not break down a stubborn Sweden outfit as the two teams settled for a goalless draw in their Group E encounter.
Before the Morata chance in the first half, RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo came close but his header was saved by the impressive Sweden goalkeeper, Robin Olsen off the cross fromAtletico Madrid player Koke who also went close on two occasions.
Sweden came so close to breaking the deadlock when Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak bullied competitive football debutant AymericLaporteto make space for himself in the box before his shot was blocked by Spain defender Diego Llorente on the line and onto the post as Sweden and Spain went into the break on level terms. The Swedish team had just 16% possession in the first half which ended goalless.
Morata was wasteful again for Spain with a good chance that came his way in the second half, whileSwedish striker Marcus Berg even squandered a better chance when the impressive Isak wriggled free from three Spanish players before Berg sliced the cross from him wide when he looked set to score with the goal gaping. Substitutes Gerard Moreno and Pablo Sarabia had opportunities to score for Spain in the final moments of the game but they were unable to beat Olsen in the Sweden goal as the Lindelof-led defence managed to keep a clean sheet.
The point earned means that both Spain and Sweden are joint second in Group E behind early leaders Slovakia who beat 10-man Poland 2-1 earlier on Monday.