Former Czechoslovakia defender Jan Pivarnik, who won Euro 1976 as a member of this team, said what he thinks about the prospects of the Slovak national team at Euro 2024. Recall, at the group stage of the tournament the Slovaks will perform in Group "E" with Belgium, Ukraine and Romania.
Jan Pivarnik"At Euro-2024 the Slovak national team has a difficult group, and to finish in first or second place in it will be very difficult. It is a much more difficult task than qualifying for the European Championship. Belgium and Ukraine are very strong opponents, and in matches with them we need to show our best game.
On the other hand, the Slovak national team is now in the same situation as we were before the 1976 European Championship: nothing was written about us then and we were also considered the weakest of the four teams (only four teams participated in Euro 1976 - Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia and Germany - editor's note). So now our national team is not under pressure, it is not a favorite, and this can play into its hands.
The strength of the Slovak national team is in its coach, Francesco Calzone. He is Italian, and Italian defense has always been strong. And that's exactly the defensive line he built in our team. At the same time, we have an excellent, strong goalkeeper with a lot of international experience (Martin Dubravka - ed.). We also have good centerbacks and a great left back. The right wing is weaker. In the midfield everything is centered around Lobotka, other players of the central axis are also good. What the Slovak national team lacks is a "nine", it's our weakness," - quotes Pivarnik Sportky.
Recall, at Euro 2024 the Slovak national team will start with a match against Belgium, and with the national team of Ukraine it will play in the second round of the group stage (June 21).
Translation and stylistic adaptation - Dynamo.kiev.ua, when using the material hyperlink is mandatory!
