THE Spanish press slammed their national team as ‘a big mess’ with their Euro 2020 hopes hanging in the balance.
Luis Enrique’s side slumped to their second successive draw of Group E on Saturday night against Poland following their Sweden stalemate.
Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead but Robert Lewandowski earned a point before Gerard Moreno thumped the post with a penalty as it finished 1-1 in Seville.
It leaves the 2008 and 2012 European champions in a precarious position.
They sit third on two points behind Sweden on four and Slovakia on three.
La Roja must beat Slovakia on Wednesday to guarantee their progression – if they draw they will finish third unless Poland win.
Spanish newspaper Marca ran with the headline ‘estamos en un buen lío’ – translating as ‘we are in a big mess’ – and described the showdown with Slovakia as a final.
Goalscorer Morata admitted after the Poland draw this current crop are struggling to follow in the footsteps of Spain’s golden generation, who also won the 2010 World Cup.
He told Sky Sports 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.
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“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 took his goal well, diverting into the bottom corner as VAR showed he was just onside.
But just like against Sweden, he squandered a glorious chance to win the game when he fluffed the rebound from Moreno’s penalty.
The ex-Chelsea striker added: “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.”
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