Spain drew 0-0 with Sweden in their opening game, they had a staggering 86% possession, taking 6 corners, picking up no cards and having 17 shots with 5 on target. Poland lost 2-1 to Slovakia in their opening game, where they had 58% possession, with 17 shots, 3 on target, 5 corners and they were given 1 red card.
The referee for this game is Daniele Orsato (Italy). This season he has taken charge of 24 games, giving 111 yellow cards and 4 red cards, an average of 4.62 yellow cards per game and 0.17 red cards per game. In his career he has refereed 258 games, handing out 1296 yellow cards and 51 red cards, for an average of 5.02 yellow cards per game and 0.20 red cards per game.
Both sides need a win, but Poland have the added pressure of knowing that a draw means they will be going home. Spain controlled the game but just couldn’t find a way to score against Sweden. You have to imagine that Poland will be slightly more aggressive and attacking than Sweden were, which should make things easier for Spain as they find more space and gaps in this Polish defence than they did in the Swedish defence. We have two very contrasting styles here as Spain will look to break down and pass their way through the Polish team, with Poland they will find their attacking opportunities limited, but they will look to take advantage of set pieces and get balls in the box at every opportunity. I don’t feel like this will be one of the standout games at this years tournament, but I feel Spain will get the job done and prevail by a 2-0 or 3-0 score line.
