Ramos, Morata on the spot as Spain cruise past Sweden

Madrid: Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Morata scored penalties when Spain beat Sweden 3-0 on Monday to keep intact their perfect start in the Euro 2020 ranking.

Spain struggled to bring down a determined defense of Sweden at the Santiago Bernabéu until Ramos struck in the 64th minute after Sebastian Larsson blocked Marco Asensio's hand with his hand.

Two final goals in two minutes gave the score a seemingly comfortable appearance when Ramos postponed a second kick to Morata, who had won the foul, before Mikel Oyarzabal made a curl in the third.

The victory means that Spain remains at the top of Group F, now with five points ahead of the second Sweden, with four wins out of four.

His advantage reflects an impressive return to form after a disappointing performance in the League of Nations.

Dani Parejo and Fabian Ruiz impressed in the midfield, but Asensio and Isco lacked spark again in the last third, and Rodrigo Moreno also gave ground to Morata in the post of center forward.

Kepa Arrizabalaga had little to do with the final, but his third consecutive start suggests that now is not only an alternative to David de Gea of ​​Manchester United, but the team's favorite goalkeeper.

Sweden's disciplined defense led them to the quarterfinals of the World Cup almost a year ago and Spain only shook them for five minutes in the first half.

Even when Spain had the ball in the net, crossed, incorrectly, out of play, after Rodrigo took advantage of Parejo's cut.

Albin Ekdal was also lucky not to award a penalty when he placed both hands on Ramos' shoulders, but referee William Collum was not so tolerant after the break.

Asensio's cross was blocked by Larsson's outstretched arm for a clear kick, leaving Ramos with his right foot in the bottom corner.

Sweden had not been without possibilities of their own, Ludwig Augustinsson shooting Ramos before Robin Quaison hit Kepa directly.

But they capitulated late as Spain added two in the 85th and 87th minutes. First, Morata, for Asensio, was fouled by Filip Helander with an aggressive run to the area and, after Ramos postponed, scored the penalty in the corner.

Then Oyarzabal, who had replaced Rodrigo, threw himself on Augustinsson and fired a brilliant shot between Olsen's hand and the far post to complete a hard-won victory.