UEFA Euro 2020: Czech Republic and Slovakia gain wins on Matchday 4, Spain held by Sweden
The 2020 UEFA Euro got done with its Matchday 4 commitments. It saw three exciting games, with Czech Republic and Slovakia coming out on top against Scotland and Poland, while Spain was held to a competitive draw by Sweden.
The UEFA Euro 2020 continues to get intense despite being just in the initial stages of the group stage. As it continues to produce some top matches, it has already seen a few upsets and Matchday 4 turned out to be the same. In the same light, we present the round-up from Monday.
Czech Republic dominates Scotland
The opening game of the matchday saw it headline it, as Scotland was up against the Czech Republic at the Hampden Park in Glasgow. As the Czech dominated most of the time, it seemed to be one-way traffic, with Patrik Schick scoring the opener in the 42nd minute, thus leading at half-time. He scored his brace in the 52nd minute, which turned out to be a long-distance screamer, as the Czech secured a comfortable win.
Stats
- David Marshall became the second-oldest player (36 years) for Scotland in Euro/World Cup after Jim Leighton (39 years).
- Since 1980, Schick's long-yard screamer (49.7 yards) was the furthest in the Euro.
- Scotland's Andy Robertson's six chances in the game have been the most by any player in the tournament this year.
Poland stunned by Slovakia
In what turned out to be a heart-break for Polish and Robert Lewandowski fans, Poland was stunned 1-2 by Slovakia at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium. It all began in the 18th minute when an own goal from Wojciech Szczesny put Slovakia ahead, as it led at half-time. Although Karol Linetty levelled it in the 46th minute, a red card for Grzegorz Krychowiak in the 62nd allowed Milan Skriniar to restored the lead in the 69th minute and seal the win.
Stats
- Karol Linetty's equaliser was the second fastest after half-time (45.32) in the Euro after Marcel Coras (45:21) in 1984.
- Grzegorz Krychowiak became the third Polish player to be sent off in Euro/World Cup after Radislaw Sobolewski and Wojciech Szczesny.
Sweden produces bold display to hold Spain
Spain was undoubtedly the favourite against Sweden at the Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla. However, none of the sides could find the back of the net. While the opening half saw four promising chances, including a save from Robin Olsen, four more events resulted in the following half, but to no avail.
Stats
- Spain registered 419 passes in the first half, which happens to be the same in the Euro since the 1980 data collection.
- Spain also had 17 shots against Sweden without scoring, the most in a Euro/World Cup since 25 against Switzerland in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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