After their 1-1 draw with Romania in Group E, Slovakia reached the round of 16 as one of the third best teams at Euro 2024. Their reward is a clash with one of the favorites in England, a tie that will see consider them as the great underdogs. However, they can certainly take inspiration from their opening day victory over Belgium.
The similarities between Belgium and England are quite marked so far in the tournament. Players with a lot of talent to create chances are not performing and teams look slow and lethargic. Slovakia took advantage of that in their only victory so far in this tournament, and England must be careful not to make the same mistakes that Belgium did. In defense, Slovakia has talent but is also a threat in attack. Sparta Prague winger Lukas Haraslin has been a threat on the flanks, while in midfield the likes of Ondrej Duda and Stanislav Lobotka should not be underestimated. Ivan Schranz is also in great form so far with two goals, including the winner against Belgium.
However, Belgium had many opportunities in that match to tie and win, but they were unable to take advantage of them. England have struggled to create chances so far in the tournament, and in a knockout match the spaces will be even tighter as Slovakia will look to sit deep and counter-attack. The Slovak team took advantage of a Belgian error to score the only goal of the game, and will look to be efficient and clinical in the rare opportunities they have against the Three Lions.
England should have enough to overcome Slovakia, but at least on paper they are a better team than Slovenia. Belgium’s defeat to Slovakia cost them top spot in the group and means they will now have to face France in their round of 16 clash.
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