Euro 2016 Preview: Resurgent Slovakia set to surprise in Group B
Everything changed for Slovakia when Jan Kozak took over as manager in 2013.
Before his appointment, Slovakia failed to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012, a far cry from the underdog team that played its part in eliminating the mighty Italy from the 2010 World Cup group stage. In the time since Kozak took to the helm, Slovakia has emerged resurgent.
For it was Slovakia's group of dedicated players who unseated Ukraine from the No. 2 spot in Group C of the qualifying stages, who shocked Spain to a 2-1 defeat with an 87th minute winner courtesy of Miroslav Stoch, and who defeated Germany 3-1 as recently as in May leading up to Euro 2016.
Kozak's biggest challenge hasn't been getting his team to find the back of the net - they did so 17 times in qualifying - nor has it been in whipping his players into a defensively disciplined group - conceding only eight times; no, Kozak's challenge is instilling consistency to this underdog side. If upsets become regular results, Slovakia can threaten in Euro 2016.
Group Schedule
| Date | Match | City | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Wales vs. Slovakia | Lens | Stade Bollaert-Delelis | 12:00 PM |
| June 16 | Russia vs. Slovakia | Lille | Stade Pierre Mauroy | 9:00 AM |
| June 20 | Slovakia vs. England | Saint-Etienne | Stade Geoffroy Guichard | 3:00 PM |
Projected Starting XI
Kozak's lineup is pretty straightforward, with plenty of established first-team regulars starting in Euro 2016. Tomas Hubocan and Norbert Gyomber are only just returning from injury, but Liverpool stalwart Martin Skrtel will lead the bunch regardless. On the attacking end, Stoch remains an option out wide but Robert Mak will likely get the nod instead, with Michal Duris leading the line ahead of Adam Nemec, though the two will likely swap roles at some point.
Key Player: Marek Hamsik
Slovakia will rely on the considerable talents of Napoli captain and attacking midfielder Hamsik, who was instrumental in his club's successes in the 2015-16 Serie A season. Hamsik is a tricky customer, capable of creating dangerous chances and scoring beautiful goals, and he instantly stands out on the field, with his signature spiky hairstyle. Expect much of Slovakia's attack to go through Hamsik.
Breakout Star: Norbert Gyomber
Gyomber caught Italian football's attention in 2015 when he was sent on loan to Roma out of Catania. While he only made six appearances, the 23-year-old central defender is very much one of Slovakia's best up-and-coming prospects. Gyomber is a fearless defender who is also comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Tournament Expectations
Slovakia's biggest challenge will be in escaping an incredibly difficult Group B, pipping two of England, Wales, and Russia in order to escape the first round of Euro 2016. That might be too tough an ask for this team, though they won't make life easy for any of their opponents. As such, Slovakia's best hope is exiting the group but putting in a respectable showing is understandable, too.