Sarabia leads Spain to knockout stage at Euro 2020

Sports Desk, Jun 23 (EFE).- Midfielder Pablo Sarabia celebrated his return to Spain’s starting lineup Wednesday by scoring a goal as La Roja crushed Slovakia 5-0 to advance to the round of 16 at Euro 2020.

Spain took the lead at the half-hour mark as Slovak goalkeeper Martin Dubravka – minutes after saving a penalty – inexplicably redirected a shot from Sarabia into the net after it hit the cross-bar.

Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, defender Aymeric Laporte headed home a cross from Gerard Moreno to make it 2-0.

Sarabia scored the third goal off a low pass from Jordi Alba in the 56th minute before setting up Ferran Torres to make it 4-0 in the 67th.

An own goal from Slovak midfielder Juraj Kucka completed the rout that marked the end of his country’s participation in the tournament.

Spain, who finished second in Group E behind Sweden, will face Croatia in the knockout stage. EFE ta/dr