World Cup Team Profiles: Group F: Slovakia
Slovakia can’t wait to get going in South Africa, and judging by the way they qualified, they could stick around for a little longer than people expect…
Their price of [370.0] to win it is somewhat understandable, however their price of [2.36] to qualify from Group F, third favourites behind Italy ([1.11])and Paraguay ([1.62]), seems like a worthwhile bet. This is because the Slovaks reached South Africa ahead of some experienced competitors, and with a few players making waves across Europe’s premier leagues, they should give the Paraguayans, and even Italy perhaps, a run for their money this summer.
Nation: Slovakia
Also known as…
‘Repre’
Route to South Africa…
They were given little hope after being drawn in a group with Slovenia and Poland, yet a tremendous 1-0 win in Chorzow (Poland), in the final group game saw them pip neighbouring Slovenia to top spot. It was the Slovenians who gave them the most trouble in qualifying, beating them home and away, however, in the end it mattered not one jot to a nation still in dreamland.
World Cup Pedigree…
Absolutely none. Slovakia have never played in a major international competition, although as part of Czechoslovakia they qualified for the World Cup eight times and reached the final twice, losing both to Italy and Brazil respectively.
They’ll be relying on…
Napoli’s attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik reaching a new level in South Africa. Hamsik has impressed many with his performances in Serie A, and he’s also scored eight times in 30 international appearances.
A starring role at the World Cup could be what takes him onto the next stage of a promising career, and his performances will be monitored closely by a range of top European clubs. He along with Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel provide the Slovakians with some true quality and top-flight experience, and in Manchester City’s Vladimir Weiss, the side also poses a rough diamond capable of something special and unexpected.
Something you may not have known is…
Manchester City youngster Vladimir Weiss is the son of Slovakia’s coach, Vladimir Weiss. What’s more, the father of Slovakia’s coach, Vladimir Weiss, was a Czechoslovakian international too, and his name? Vladimir Weiss.
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Filed Under: Betfair • Football • World Cup 2010
