Euro 2020 could not have gotten off to a better start for Slovakia.
It would never be an easy test against Robert Lewandowski and Poland, but Marek Hamsik’s men fought for a valuable 2-1 victory.
The result fired Slovakia to the top of Group E, giving them three important points in their quest to reach the knockout stages. The underdogs will know that Friday’s competition with Sweden now also has even greater significance.
Get a positive result here, and they may not need anything against Spain. It’s a dream scenario. But which players should start? 90 minutes gives you the decline.
Opening Day Hero / Kirill Kudryavtsev – Pool / Getty Images
Martin Dubravka (GK) – The Newcastle United man was rarely tested by Poland in the recent victory and will surely keep his place between the sticks.
Peter Pekarik (RB) – Looked comfortable and used all his 34 years of experience with good effect. Would not expect anything less.
Lubomir Satka (CB) – A decent performance and part of a winning backline, so no need to make a change. Stop Lewandowski from scoring and you will do something right.
Milan Skriniar (CB) – The backline hero and the difference maker in the last third as well. Produced a fantastic strike to win the game, but he will be seen much more carefully this time.
Tomas Hubocan (LB) – Enjoy a solid screen against Poland, but will be tested by the driving Kulusevski – if he plays. A potential battle to watch.
He still has it / Anatoly Maltsev – Pool / Getty Images
Juaraj Kucka (CM) – A solid, physical presence in the middle of the park. Not one that spoils a challenge, and will be needed in what could be a pretty stubborn midfield battle.
Jakub Hromada (CM) – A nice and tidy player for Slovakia, and hopes to get more impressions this time.
Marek Hamsik (AM) – He still has it, the old man. An important reason behind Slovakia’s success in the last third and a leader with a good example. Untouchable.
Mak attack / Lars Baron / Getty Images
Lukas Haraslin (RW) – A threat on the flank and always looking to hit a man and get behind. Dangerous.
Ondrej Duda (ST) – Likes to drop deeper and show what he can do as he floats between the lines. Complements Hamsik behind him very well.
Robert Mak (LW) – The man who forced Wojciech Szczesny’s unfortunate own goal. A tricky, creative force. Such a classic “tournament player”. We love to see him.
