Blank day for Spain

Seville, June 15

The chances came and went but neither Spain nor Sweden managed to put any of them in the net. Spain dominated possession and kept the pressure in the opposing area for most of the match but the Swedes held on for a 0-0 draw Monday at the European Championship.

Sweden managed only a few chances at the La Cartuja Stadium, but they were some of the most dangerous ones. Alexander Isak, who plays for Spanish club Real Sociedad, had a shot from inside the area hit the post after deflecting off Spain defender Marcos Llorente in front of the goal line.

Early in the second half, Marcus Berg was inside the area with the ball coming his way, but he mishit his shot.

Alvaro Morata had Spain’s best chance just a few minutes before Isak but his shot missed wide with goalkeeper Robin Olsen the only opponent to beat.

Skriniar keeps Lewa quiet

St Petersburg: Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar stopped Robert Lewandowski from scoring at one end, and then showed the world player of the year just how to do it on the other.

Underlining his growing importance for a national team that’s for long relied on Marek Hamsik, Skriniar played a crucial role at both ends of the field and scored the winning goal in Slovakia’s 2-1 win over Poland on Monday. Lewandowski endured another tough match in a major soccer tournament. He didn’t have a clear-cut chance and now has only two goals in 12 matches at a World Cup or European Championship.

Ronaldo strikes late

Budapest: Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated becoming the first player to appear in five European Championships with a brace as they got their title defence off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory over a determined Hungary on Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s 87th-minute penalty meant he overtook Michel Platini for most European Championship goals scored, taking his tally to 10. — Agencies

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