The Euro Champ Qualifiers match between Slovakia and Iceland will take place at Tehelne Pole on Friday at 1:15 am IST.
Slovakia is on the verge of securing a spot at Euro 2024, needing just a point when they host Iceland in Bratislava on Thursday. Their recent victory over Luxembourg on matchday eight has positioned them with a five-point lead in the group, putting them in a favorable position for a third consecutive appearance in the finals.
Slovakia is well-placed in second, and even a loss to Iceland won’t jeopardize their Euro 2024 qualification, given their upcoming match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Iceland needs a win by any scoreline except 1-0 to stay in contention, holding an advantage in goal difference or head-to-head records. However, the scenario is unlikely, requiring Slovakia to lose in Bosnia, Luxembourg to drop points, and Iceland to beat Portugal. Despite this, Iceland secures a playoff place from their last Nations League campaign. Slovakia, led by Francesco Calzona, is the favored team in the group, showcasing defensive strength with Milan Skriniar, David Hancko, and Stanislav Lobotka. Their consistency has allowed them to take advantage of the expanded Euros format, securing their third consecutive qualification since 2016.
Iceland’s notable performances at Euro 2016 and a commendable showing at Russia 2018 mark their major tournament highlights. However, their only chance at securing a spot in major tournament football again is through the playoffs, unless a remarkable turn of events occurs in Group J. Despite a challenging start with four losses in their first five games, Iceland’s late resurgence, including seven points from the last three matches, keeps their slim automatic qualification hopes alive. A fortunate moment in the reverse tie against Luxembourg, where the opponents missed a clear open goal, hints at potential fate. Nonetheless, facing Portugal in the final fixture poses a daunting challenge for Age Hareide’s team, even after a competitive match against them earlier in the group.
Slovakia probable starting lineup: Dubravka, Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko, Duda, Lobotka, Kucka, Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Iceland probable starting lineup: Runarsson, Sampsted, Palsson, Ingason, Finnsson, Willumsson, Traustason, Haraldsson, Gudmundsson, Oskarsson, A Sigurdsson
Slovakia
| Opponents | Score |
|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 1-0 (W) |
| Portugal | 2-3 (L) |
| Liechtenstein | 3-0 (W) |
| Portugal | 0-1 (L) |
| Liechtenstein | 1-0 (W) |
Iceland
| Opponents | Score |
|---|---|
| Liechtenstein | 4-0 (W) |
| Luxembourg | 1-1 (D) |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1-0 (W) |
| Luxembourg | 1-3 (L) |
| Portugal | 0-1 (L) |
| Last 4 matches- Results | Score |
|---|---|
| Slovakia beat Iceland | 2-1 |
| Slovakia beat Iceland | 3-1 |
| Slovakia draw Iceland | 1-1 |
| Iceland beat Slovakia | 1-2 |
The Euro Champ Qualifiers match between Slovakia and Iceland will take place at Tehelne Pole on Friday at 1:15 am IST.
| Slovakia vs Iceland | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 17 |
| Venue | Tehelne Pole |
| Kickoff time in Slovakia | 8:45 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in Iceland | 7:45 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 1:15 am (Friday) |
Football fans internationally can catch the live action via UEFA.tv while those in Slovakia and Iceland can watch the match live via RTVS Sport and Stöð 2 Sport, Viaplay Iceland respectively.
More football news:
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Follow Us
