Spain vs Slovakia Euro 2016 Qualifiers - Preview, Predictions, Stream, Schedule, Lineups
Spain and Slovakia will contest first place in Group C of the Euro Qualifiers on Saturday.
For those who need a reminder, Slovakia sits in first in Group C courtesy of a 2-1 win over Spain almost a year ago. For those who do not remember that game, it was the one in which Iker Casillas flapped at a free kick and allowed a highly questionable goal that only added fuel to the fire calling for his head. He seems to have found his way at Porto in the early going and is likely going to get a chance at redemption in his home country, while his heir apparent watches from the bench.
David De Gea might be the man who should be manning the nets for Spain, but his lack of playing time and current instability at Manchester United could dent his dream of starring in the Euro 2016.
Spain currently sits at 15 points in Group C, three behind Slovakia. A 1-0 win for Spain puts it into first place thanks to a higher goal differential (Spain has a +12 while Slovakia has a +10). A win by Slovakia puts it at 21 points. Slovakia is already guaranteed third place at the very least in the group.
Slovakia is going to be tough game for Spain, as the team has not lost since May 2014 against Russia. Since then, the team has won nine straight. Spain has struggled for form since the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, and has a record of six wins and four losses since last summer’s tournament. Losses for Spain have come against France, Germany, Holland and Slovakia, while wins have come against lowly minnow sides. All this emphasizes is that the Spanish golden age has seemingly come to an end.
Prediction: Spain wins 1-0.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN Desportes and ESPN3 at 2:45 p.m. EDT.