2010 World Cup Preview Group F: Slovakia
By Ty Duffy
“We shall have to remove everything that strangles artistic and scientific creativeness.” – Alexander Dubcek
Slovakia was a surprise. They had not qualified for a major tournament since Czechoslovakia split. They drew a deep group that included Slovenia and 2006 qualifiers Poland and the Czech Republic. However, the Slovaks rode the good vibes from a young team, a young manager and a swashbuckling style to first-place and automatic qualification for South Africa. The question is whether that style can sustain a team of their modest caliber on the world stage.
Form: Slovakia’s attacking style led them to a 7-1-2 record in the group, though it left their defense exposed. The Slovaks allowed as many goals as Slovenia and the Czech Republic combined. Lowly San Marino was outscored 47-1. The one came against Slovakia. The friendly results have been inauspicious. Slovakia lost 3-2 to Ukraine, 3-2 to Cyprus, 4-0 to England, 2-1 to Chile and drew 1-1 with Iceland. Though, they did beat the United States 1-0.
Nature and Nurture: Vladimir Weiss should start on the wing for Slovakia. His father, Vladimir Weiss, is Slovakia coach. He played for Czechoslovakia. His father, Vladimir Weiss, played for Czechoslovakia as well.
Tactics: Slovakia play wide-open, attacking soccer. They buck the one-striker trend, opting for a straight 4-4-2. Though, they could play an even more daring formation against New Zealand. Weiss is the youngest coach in the tournament. He’s beloved by his young team, only two of the starting eleven are older than 28. They are not overly talented, but will account for it with teamwork and enthusiasm.
Slovakia will deploy an attacking midfield. Napoli star Marek Hamsik is Slovakia’s best player and captain. He loves to get forward. He will play in central midfield with veteran Zdeno Strba covering him in a holding role. The coach’s son Vladimir Weiss should be on the right wing. Chelsea prospect Miroslav Stoch, who had an excellent season on loan with Dutch champions FC Twente, will play on the left. Stanislav Sestak, who led Slovakia with six goals in qualifying will take one spot up. His partner should be Robert Vittek or Filip Holosko, depending on which one is healthier.
Prediction: It comes down to Paraguay. If Slovakia can draw them and beat New Zealand, they could get Italy in a situation where a convenient draw will see both teams through. If Italy has a reason to try in the third match, Slovakia will be in trouble.
Interesting Fact: Stefan Banic invented the parachute in 1914. He tested it out himself for the first time, by jumping out of a plane.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, United States, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile