Euro 2016 Group B Preview and Predictions for Slovakia

In light of the upcoming feast of international football that is Euro 2016 this summer, it’s about time we took a closer look at the chances of England’s Group B rivals Slovakia, and whether or not Jan Kozak’s ambitious side can really expect to excel among the highly anticipated competition…

 

Chances of success

Let’s face it – although Slovakia have performed admirably well in simply qualifying for Euro 2016 in the first place – it nonetheless remains distinctly difficult to envisage this side ever making it beyond those ever competitive group-stages when all is said and done.

Each of England, Russia and a rapidly improving Welsh side certainly represent formidable enough opposition even at the best of times, especially for a team with a clear lack of footballing pedigree upon the international scene such as Slovakia.

 

Ones to watch

Yet whilst Slovakia aren’t quite expected to set the continent alight once Euro 2016 finally comes around this summer, you can bet that Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel will definitely be doing his utmost to keep things solid at the back for his nation, with 2010 World Cup goal-scoring sensation – Robert Vittek – possibly holding down his well-versed role among the Slovakia striking department.  

Napoli’s Marek Hamsik nonetheless must go down as a standout name for the Slovakian’s at this summer’s finals. Via his composed nature on the ball and impressive technical prowess inside the final third, the 28-year-old midfielder clearly represents one to watch at Euro 2016.

 

From the dug-out

Although Jan Kozak’s range of managerial experience doesn’t really extend beyond the Eastern European scene, this is a man who arguably deserves a fair amount of praise for his work among the national team. Slovakia do indeed have a few strong assets available to them this summer, and under Kozak’s characteristic management style, this is one team who could serve to impress in admittedly subtle circumstances.

 

Slovakia’s Euro 2016 Predictions

Put in no uncertain terms whatsoever, Slovakia clearly aren’t expected to make it through to the knock-out stages when push really comes to shove this summer, and could even end up finishing rock-bottom among the Group B proceedings despite playing some decent stuff.

You may wish to refrain from taking the obvious line of thinking ahead of Euro 2016 however, for if the previous 2014 World Cup has seemingly taught us anything, it is to never write off any so-called underdogs before a ball has even been kicked at of the upcoming competition!