Tonight Slovakia take on Russia in the Euro 2012 qualifier in a make-or-break match for the Slovak team, which was doing well in the wide-open group until losing 0-4 to Armenia in the previous match.
The Slovak team is confident that they have what it takes to bring down the Russian bear, but unless they pull together better as a team, this task will be far from easy. Slovakia beat Russia 0-1 in an away match last year, though, so hardly the impossible dream.
The team led by coach Vladimir Weiss will have to win both of their last two matches to guarantee them a place in the Euro 2012 finals to be held in Poland and Ukraine next year. Russia have 17 points, Ireland 15 and Armenia on 14 the same as Slovakia, so the group is still wide open, though.
Jan Durica, who has spent the last six years in Russia and plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, told daily Pravda that he knows many of the players well and that Slovakia has a good chance of beating them provided the Slovaks “keep it tight at the back, or otherwise we will be punished”, like they were in the shameful defeat against Armenia.
Get Vittek off the bench… ah memories of WC 2010!
Come on Slovakia – let’s get to another major competition!!
Even if Slovakia win both, they are still not assured a place in the finals as if Ireland win both, then Slovakia would have to settle for a play-off spot!
How Slovakia are going to score is the big question. Perhaps a Russian defender will help us out, as a Polish one did in Chorzow 2 years ago.