Slovakia have had a surprisingly impressive Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, and, along with England, are one of only two teams to have won every single one of their matches so far. They’ve very much on course to make it to the European Championships for the first time in their history. However, they will have their toughest test of all away in Spain on Saturday, with Vicente Del Bosque’s gunning for the group’s top spot.
Spain vs. Slovakia live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
After suffering a surprise defeat to Slovakia in their last meeting, Spain will be gunning for revenge in Saturday’s Euro 2016 qualifier.
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Spain haven’t looked quite as invincible as they once did, and only squeezed past Ukraine and Belarus 1-0 in their last couple of qualifying matches. Indeed, they suffered a shock defeat away in Slovakia in the reverse fixture. However, the Euro 2012 winners are still among the most talented international sides in world football, and they’ll still be expecting to win at home to Slovakia. Should they manage it, they’ll move level on points with Ján Kozák’s side at the top of the group.
When they last met
Slovakia earned a dramatic victory in front of their own fans in Zilina. Juraj Kucka gave them the lead after just 17 minutes, before Paco Alcácer netted an equaliser with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. It looked like Spain would push on for a winner, but they instead conceded a decisive second to substitute winger Miroslav Stoch. It was Slovakia's first win over Spain in their history.
Key player: Diego Costa (Spain)
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has never quite looked at home in the Spanish national team, despite turning his back on Brazil to play for them in 2013. He’s a sledgehammer in a team of precision tools. However, it’s in Del Bosque’s interests to get Costa firing on all cylinders, as when used effectively, he’s undoubtedly one of the most dangerous forwards on the planet.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: ESPN3, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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