Group B’s underdogs are UEFA European Championship new boys Slovakia, who open their campaign against Wales at 5pm on Saturday, June 11, before facing Russia at 2pm four days later and then England at 8pm on Monday, June 20.
The side bears comparison with Russia, with age and a lack of defensive pace, alongside a heavy reliance on counter-attacking football, likely to be a hindrance.
Underestimating Slovakia would be foolish, though – in their international tournament debut, the 2010 World Cup, they knocked out defending champions Italy on their way to the last 16, whilst a 2-1 defeat of Spain in qualifying confirmed a taste for big-name scalps.
THE ROAD TO QUALIFICATION
That home victory over Spain ended an eight-year undefeated period in qualification matches for La Roja, part of a superb early run when Slovakia won their first six group matches on the spin.
Things got a little jittery after that, with a draw, two defeats and no goals in their next three fixtures, before a 4-2 win in Luxembourg secured second spot in the group, five points adrift of Spain.
Coach Jan Kozak consistently sets up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to sit deep and hit opponents on the counter, and it worked well enough for his defence to keep four clean sheets and concede eight goals in ten qualifiers.
The big question mark remains Slovakia’s ability to adapt their tactics should they fall behind and it will be a surprise if they can muster enough resilience and offensive firepower to find their way out of Group B.
Over the last 12 months, Slovakia have played five friendlies, winning against Switzerland, Iceland and Georgia, and drawing with Latvia and Republic of Ireland. Kozak’s troops have netted at least twice in four of those fixtures, though managed just a single clean sheet.
Most Appearances Matus Kozacik, Marek Hamsik (10), Tomas Hubocan, Robert Mak, Juraj Kucka, Viktor Pecovsky (9), Martin Skrtel, Peter Pekarik, Vladimir Weiss (8), Miroslav Stoch, Adam Nemec (7)
Most Goals Marek Hamsik (5), Adam Nemec (3); Robert Mak, Juraj Kucka (2).
Most Assists Vladimir Weiss (6); Adam Nemec, Miroslav Stoch (2); Marek Hamsik, Robert Mak, Juraj Kucka, Stanislav Sestak, Peter Pekarik (1).
THE KEY TARGETS
Slovakia’s chief attacking threat comes from playmaker Marek Hamsik. The Napoli man is now 28 and close to his peak – he fired more attempts than any team-mate in qualifying, with five qualifying goals making him the squad’s top scorer. Priced at 7.5 in the official Uefa game, Hamsik recorded six strikes and 11 assists in Serie A last season and is almost certain to be the Slovaks’ most popular pick.
Former Manchester City wide man Vladimir Weiss (6.5) also caught the eye in qualifying, with six assists the joint-best return across the competition. Stationed on the left, Weiss created more chances than any team-mate in qualifying and is afforded a fair share of corner kicks. His ability to take on and beat opponents should also draw fouls and earn points in the Draft Kings game.
Lone striker Adam Nemec (6.5) featured in seven of the team’s ten group fixtures, scoring three times and providing one assist. Having also bagged a brace against Georgia on Friday evening, he looks to have strengthened his position as first-choice lone striker under Kozak.
In central midfield, Juraj Kucka (6.0 in Uefa) offers good all-round potential in the mid-price bracket. The AC Milan man was second only to Hamsik for attempts over the qualifiers and found the net twice, whilst he also made more successful tackles than any team-mate, heightening his Draft Kings potential.
THE LONG SHOTS
With Martin Skrtel setting you back 5.5, full-backs Tomas Hubocan and Peter Pekarik (both 5.0) are the cheapest of the nailed-on options in a somewhat unconvincing defence. As the team’s most productive full-back for successful tackles and key passes, the former looks likely to offer some value in the Draft Kings game. Keeper Matus Kozacik comes in are just 4.5 in Uefa, though, and played a part in all ten matches in the qualifiers.
Right winger Robert Mak (6.0) will struggle for our attentions, though he did manage a goal and two assists on the road to France. Mak’s attacking stats – double-figures for both shots and key passes – afford a degree of optimism, whilst the former Man City youth player also shares corner duties with Weiss and is top by some distance for crosses.
Upcoming Friendlies
Germany vs Slovakia (May 29), Slovakia vs Northern Ireland (June 4)
Further Analysis
Group A – Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland.
Group B Russia
