Tactical Analysis: Spain vs. Slovakia

Following Slovakia’s Group E fixture against Sweden, Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka received mountains of criticism for his role in the Sokoli’s defeat. Penalised for fouling Robin Quaison in the penalty area, the 31-year-old was powerless to resist Emil Forsberg’s well-struck effort from 12 yards.

Thus, having been widely blamed for his side’s 1-0 defeat against the Swedes, Dubravka’s delight at saving a twelfth-minute penalty against Spain was understandable. Unfortunately for the Tyneside-based ‘stopper, though, Slovakian joy was short-lived in Seville as Luis Enrique’s side eventually ran out 5-0 winners in Group E.

Eighteen minutes after Spain failed to convert their fifth penalty in a row, Dubravka gifted the hosts the lead with an own goal for the ages. With the ball spinning in the air above his head, Dubravka jumped highest and inexplicably smacked it into the Slovakian net. From that moment, the game was done for the travelling side.

Aymeric Laporte doubled Spain’s advantage on the stroke of half-time, before Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres scored the Roja’s third and fourth goals of the evening after the break. A Juraj Kucka own goal added to Slovakia’s woes on 71 minutes, although it made no difference to the outcome of Group E.