Football News Update: Slovakia Aims High at Euro 2024
Qualifying for a third successive European Championship is no mean feat given how low the Falcons had been flying in recent years. Ranked 36th in the world during the build-up to Euro 2020, Slovakia’s subsequent relegation to Nations League C and poor 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign plunged them to the mid-50s by the time Francesco Calzona took charge in August 2022.
Tough Group, Experienced Squad
Only Portugal managed to take points off Slovakia in qualifying, with the Falcons coming a respectable second behind Roberto Martinez’s side, who won every game. However, the road ahead will not be easy, as Slovakia has been drawn against Belgium, Romania, and Ukraine in the group stage.
Despite the challenges, the Slovakian squad boasts a strong spine, with Milan Skriniar, one of the best defenders in Europe, leading the backline. David Hancko, who has been a standout performer in the Eredivisie, and the experienced Juraj Kucka, with 106 caps, provide further solidity.
Intriguing Manager Appointment
Intriguingly, manager Francesco Calzona recently became the first boss to take charge of both a Serie A club and a foreign international side when he was named as Napoli’s head coach in February. He’ll be hoping to spring a few shocks at Euro 2024 and will be relying on the experience of a close-knit group.
“As with every Euro 2024 squad, FourFourTwo will bring you all the latest on Slovakia as we report live from the European Championship, including details on their fixtures and how to watch every game.”
Slovakia Euro 2024 squad:
- GK: Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle United), Marek Rodák (Fulham), Henrich Ravas (New England Revolution)
- DF: Peter Pekarík (Hertha BSC), Milan Škriniar (Paris Saint-Germain), Norbert Gyömbér (Salernitana), Dávid Hancko (Feyenoord), Denis Vavro (Copenhagen), Vernon De Marco (Hatta), Adam Obert (Cagliari), Matúš Kmeť (AS Trenčín), Sebastian Kóša (Spartak Trnava)
- MF: Juraj Kucka (Slovan Bratislava), Ondrej Duda (Hellas Verona), Patrik Hrošovský (Genk), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli), Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum), László Bénes (Hamburger SV)
- FW: Róbert Boženík (Boavista), Lukáš Haraslín (Sparta Prague), Tomáš Suslov (Hellas Verona), Ivan Schranz (Slavia Prague), David Strelec (Slovan Bratislava), Dávid Ďuriš (Ascoli), Ľubomír Tupta (Slovan Liberec), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord)
🔗 Source