Spain has gotten into a mess after the draw against Poland on the second day. The National Team will have to use the calculator on the last day of Euro 2020 . The accounts are simple, if they beat Slovakia they qualify. So far so good. The problem comes in the hypothetical cross of eighths where a biscotto could be produced. Specifically, this biscotto is directly related to the match between England and the Czech Republic that will take place next Tuesday.
The two teams are practically classified, a draw would give them the pass. But it is not the same to go first than second. With the tie, the Czech Republic would be first in group D and England second . What is the difference between being first and second? Avoid group F, the one of death. At the moment the second is Germany, but it could well be Portugal or even France. Hungary has options but is less likely to reach that spot.
That is, the first of group D will face Germany, France or Portugal , while the second would cross with the second of group E, that of Spain. A much more affordable match since their possible rivals are Spain, Sweden, Slovakia or Poland. In the event that the National Team wins Slovakia and the Swedes do the same with Poland, it would be Luis Enrique’s who would pass as seconds and they would meet English or Czech.
England’s dilemma
However, this has a but for the English. If they were first, Gareth Southgate’s men would play at Wembley , as they have been doing throughout the group stage, regardless of who their rival is. If they tie, they will pass as seconds and the round of 16 match would be played in Copenhagen. Come the game they will not know who their rival will be. The matches of the third day of groups E and F are played on Wednesday, while the Czech Republic England is played on Tuesday, a day before.
However, what they do know is that being first they will run into Germany, France or Portugal and the tie would send them on the same side of the table but from the top, with the second of the group from Spain . Of course, whatever happens, first or second left would mean avoiding the group of death at most up to fourths. In case there is biscotto and the English are second, they could cross into quarters with the winner of group F.
