Slovakia enters their first major tournament looking to use talent like midfielder Marek Hamsik as their ticket to the sound round. Kirsten Schlewitz of 7500 to Holte looks at Slovakia’s chance to play a fourth match at the 2010 World Cup.
Slovakia 2010 World Cup Preview: The Impact Of A Debutant
The repre—short for the representatives—are a young squad that revolves around an even younger midfield. They’ve got pace and they like to dribble, which means that they’re likely to unsettle teams used to a more direct style of play. There’s nothing more irritating to supporters of an opposing team than when a defense comes unlocked through tricky footwork.
Right now, the Slovakian team are also hoping for a little off-the-field magic: they need some speedy healing for three ailing players. Martin Škrtel, a strong force at center-back, broke his metatarsal last February while on duty with Liverpool, and hasn’t played since. Forwards Filip Hološko, who broke his leg last year, and Róbert Vittek, still recovering from a knee injury, are also in doubt. While injured players on the 23-man roster can of course be replaced, supporters of Slovakia should cross their fingers that Škrtel, at least, will be healthy. The striking abilities of the midfield might be able to make up for a lack of depth in forward position, but they’re not going to hang back and defend.
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