SEVILLE (Reuters): Spain’s Euro 2020 had been turbulent before it began due to COVID-19 complications, but now the crisis is on the pitch where players lack spark, confidence or cutting edge, and are in serious danger of a shock group-stage exit.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Poland was a step back performance-wise from the opening 0-0 draw with Sweden and left Spain in the unexpected position of third in an unimposing Group E and needing to beat Slovakia on Wednesday in their last game to go through.

“The main word on my lips is frustration. If only we’d scored that penalty and all those chances. But we need to believe in ourselves and stay strong,” said defender Pau Torres. Self-confidence looks the lowest in recent memory. Gerard Moreno had scored all 13 penalties he took for Villarreal last season but smashed his spot-kick against the Poles’ post while Alvaro Morata, who looked to have recovered confidence after scoring the opener, fluffed the rebound. “We’re in a huge mess,” said the front cover of newspaper Marca, while daily AS said Spain were “on red alert”.

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