Marca say Spain are ‘in a big mess’ as Alvaro Morata says people are keen ‘to pile in on them’

Spanish-based newspaper Marca claim the national team is ‘in a big mess’ following another Euro 2020 draw with Poland as striker Alvaro Morata claims people ‘wait to pile on and criticise’ them after a bad result

  • Spain are still winless at Euro 2020 following another draw against Poland 
  • Alvaro Morata got the opener before Robert Lewandowski scored an equaliser
  • Morata missed a rebound from Gerard Moreno’s second-half missed penalty 
  • Spanish newspaper Marca have described their next game as a ‘final’
  • Morata says that people are keen to ‘pile in and criticise’ Spain after a bad result 


Alvaro Morata has claimed that people ‘wait to pile on Spain‘ following the country’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Poland on Sunday.

The Juventus striker put Spain in front after 25 minutes, but were held to another draw thanks to Robert Lewandowski‘s second-half goal.

It means that Spain remain winless at Euro 2020, and leaves them needing a positive result against Slovakia to ensure qualification into the next stage.

Spain face a fight to make the next round of Euro 2020 after their draw with Poland

Madrid based newspaper Marca have said that the Spanish national team are 'in a big mess'

Madrid based newspaper Marca have said that the Spanish national team are ‘in a big mess’

Madrid-based newspaper have ran with a headline for Sunday’s edition saying Spain are ‘in a big mess’.

They describe Wednesday’s game against Slovakia as a final, with Luis Enrique’s side needing a win to ensure qualification – though a draw could still send them through as one of the four best third-placed finishers depending on what happens in other groups.

Following the game, Morata admitted to Sky Sports Italia that it was difficult to follow a ‘generation of geniuses’.

He was referencing the Spain team that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.

Morata said as per Football Italia:  ‘If we listen to what people say that won’t help, because they are all waiting to pile on and criticise us.

‘Usually when big nations reach a competition like this, there is a sense of unity around them. 

‘We know that we’re following a generation of geniuses who won everything and it’s difficult for us to fill those shoes, but we have to believe in ourselves.’

Morata responded to critics from his first game with the opener for Spain in the first-half

Morata responded to critics from his first game with the opener for Spain in the first-half

Morata faced criticism after failing to impress in Spain’s opener when they were held to a goalless draw with Sweden.

Things started better for the 28-year-old against Poland, when he poked home a shot from Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno.

Not long after Lewandowski scored, Spain had the opportunity to score from the penalty spot to go back ahead.

Moreno missed his penalty and Morata was then unable to put the ball in the back of the net on the rebound.

Morata said: ‘It’s a team sport. If we don’t win, then it makes no difference whether I score or not. I am disappointed we were unable to pick up three points, but the next game is like a final.’ 

‘The ball (off the rebound from the penalty) was travelling at an incredible speed and it was difficult to get it under control. Perhaps I was too close to it and should’ve made a different choice.’

His goal though was his 20th for his country in 42 appearances, becoming the fastest player to reach this milestone with the national team since David Villa.  

He did though miss a big chance in the second-half as Spain were unable to net a winner

He did though miss a big chance in the second-half as Spain were unable to net a winner