Spain vs Sweden: Can Spain re-assert themselves among Europe’s elite?
Spain will be looking to start their march towards a fourth EURO title when they take on Sweden in their groups stage opener on Monday. La Roja have won the EURO championship three times. That makes Spain the joint-most successful team alongside Germany. However, Spain’s reputation has taken a major hit in recent years. They were humiliated during the 2014 World Cup as they were dumped out in the group stages. At EURO 2016, they suffered an early elimination in the round of 16, before being disgraced by Russia at the 2018 edition as the hosts also eliminated them in the round of 16.
As such, Spain will be looking to put all that firmly behind them this summer. Now under the leadership of Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona coach has made it clear he’s not one to follow in the path of his predecessors. That starts with his team selection. For the first time in ages, there are no Real Madrid players in Spain’s squad for an upcoming tournament. Sergio Ramos, the most active capped player, was snubbed, despite boasting well over a decade at tournaments of this level.
Enrique’s decision certainly raised quite a bit of controversy in Spain, but if La Roja return with their fourth cup, it will all be forgiven – even among the most ardent Real Madrid fans. However, his choices have already put the side under strain as team captain Sergio Busquets has contracted COVID-19 and thus won’t be available for this match. The entire first team had to be put into isolation for their last warm-up clash against Lithuania, which meant that Spain had to field their under-21 team. The youngsters did a good job stepping in for their senior counterparts, cruising to a 4-0 win over the Eastern European minnows to ensure that Spain come into this clash eight games unbeaten.
Spain’s other friendly saw them held to a 0-0 draw with Iberian rivals Portugal, during which fans were not impressed and booed the team, namely striker Alvaro Morata, for an inefficient showing during the drab stalemate. Morata will be one player with a lot to prove this summer; Spain will be playing all of their group stage ties on home turf in Sevilla. Wary supporters will hope at least this could give the team the boost they desperately need.
As for Sweden, the Blågult had hopes of having veteran striker and all-time top goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the team at this tournament. Although he’ll be 40 later this year, Ibrahimovic is still firing in the goals and head coach Janne Andersson clearly thought his presence would be a major boost in terms of leadership for the team. Unfortunately, Ibrahimovic will miss out after an injury setback while playing for AC Milan, meaning that Andersson will have to turn to other options. Young striker Dejan Kulusevski won’t be one of them, though, as the Juventus attacker has tested positive for COVID-19 and so will miss this upcoming match.
Although Spain are very much a side in transition, and thus are not viewed as favorites to win a fourth EURO title this summer, Sweden are facing their own uphill battle as well. The Blågult have a very frustrating record against La Roja, where they’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 meetings with the three-time EURO champions. That was back in 2006, and it’s also the last time they beat Spain. In addition, Sweden haven’t made it out of their group since 2004, and have won just one of their last eight EURO matches, losing six of those.
That being said, Spain haven’t done well traditionally when it comes to their group stage openers. La Roja have won just one of their last five opening games at a major tournament (EURO and World Cup). However, it’s important to note that these tournaments will also include the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 EURO – both of which Spain won. And Sweden are no strangers to causing upsets – they did block Italy from qualifying for the World Cup a couple years back – causing shockwaves through Italy, and really, the rest of the world as the Azzurri missed out on a spot for the first time in 60 years.
As such, this could be a much closer game than Spain may want as they look to re-assert themselves among Europe’s elite. Will they get the job done and justify Luis Enrique’s interesting selection? Or will Sweden finally end their frustrating hoodoo against Spain for once and for all?
