[ad_1]
Table of Contents
Sweden get the better of Poland
Sweden got the better of Poland in a five-goal thriller, scoring the winner deep into added time. Emil Forsberg’s brace was cancelled out by two goals from Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, before Viktor Claesson fired in the winner to break Polish hearts.
1.Sweden handed an easier tie
Victory for Sweden over a stubborn Poland confirmed that they would finish top of Group E, despite Spain’s final day hammering of Slovakia.
The result of this is that the Swedes have been handed a theoretically easier tie for their round of 16 game, which will be played on the 29th June.
? GROUP E:
1) #SWE – 7 points
2) #ESP – 5 points
3) #SVK – 3 points
4) #POL – 1 pointSweden & Spain advance to the knockout round of #Euro2020! ??
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 23, 2021
They will be paired against one of the best third-placed sides, meaning that they could face one of the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Finland or Ukraine.
Had they finished 2nd, they would have faced Croatia in Copenhagen. Instead, they will be making the trip to Scotland’s Hampden Park for their tie.
2.Poland are out
One side’s euphoria is another’s heartbreak, and Poland’s close defeat means that they are officially out of the tournament.
It has been a disappointing European Championships for the Poles, who managed just a sole point from their three games, but were not heavily beaten in any of their fixtures.
That, of course, will be no consolation to Robert Lewandowski and co.
3.Robin Olsen will challenge for Roma’s number 1 jersey next season
Sweden will no doubt be euphoric that they have managed to qualify top of group E, ahead of a Spain that motored into gear against Slovakia.
That it was not a disappointing result is largely down to goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who currently plies his trade for Everton, but is on loan from Roma.
With new manager Jose Mourinho surely watching, Olsen did his chances of returning to Roma as number one no harm whatsoever, as he pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the Polish out in the first hour of the game.
Had it not been for Olsen, Sweden may well have been travelling to Copenhagen to play Croatia, a much tougher tie.
4.Isak does his reputation no harm
With all the focus on World-Class forward Robert Lewandowski, Alexander Isak did his own burgeoning reputation no harm whatsoever.
The Swedish forward, currently at Real Sociedad, has caught the eye with a pair of strong performances, and for the hour he was on the pitch looked bright once again.
? Aleksandar Isak was only 8 when Robert Lewandowski made his international debut for #POL
? With Zlatan Ibrahimovic absent, Isak is flourishing for #SWE. Full match preview ahead of tonight’s #EURO2020 group game ?
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 23, 2021
The striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, although it has emerged today that Real Madrid could also be an unlikely destination for the youngster.
Wherever he ends up, it seems certain that Isak is set to take Europe by storm.
5.Kulesevski could be a secret weapon
It took Dejan Kulesevski just three minutes to make an impact on this game. Subbed on after 55 minutes after missing the first two games as a result of a positive Covid-19 test, the Juventus man played a vital role in Sweden’s second goal.
Picking the ball up on the halfway line, the left-footed winger drove forty yards with it before laying it on a plate for team-mate Emil Forsberg to sweep home from 18 yards out.
GOAL #SWE! Emil Forsberg nets his second of the day and third at #EURO2020
(via @TUDNUSA) pic.twitter.com/K2xnVg11J6
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) June 23, 2021
Having been unavailable for Sweden’s opening two matches, Kulesevski could well be a weapon that Sweden can get the best of in the knockout stages.
Read more:
RB Leipzig star pens new contract until 2025
Bruno Fernandes bags POTY award, but Man United stars opt for Luke Shaw
Football Live streaming: Featured matches on June 23
[ad_2]
Source link