“Chlapcov som pochválil za postup,” said Vladimír Weiss st., head coach, after Slovakia secured promotion to League B.
Slovakia secured promotion to a higher UEFA Nations League tier on Friday, November 13, but endured a difficult match against the Faroe Islands in Košice, Sportnet reported. The hosts drew 2:2 in the Group 3 encounter against opponents from a country with roughly 55,000 residents, struggling defensively and conceding multiple high-scoring chances to the visitors.
Košice Arena Drama
More than 11,000 spectators filled the Košice arena to watch Slovakia chase the point needed to seal top spot in League C. Instead of a comfortable evening, the home side committed defensive errors and left dangerous gaps that the Faroe Islands exploited by hitting the goal frame twice. “Ak by nám dali na 3:1, tak sme asi K. O. Som unavený, chcel som vyhrať,” Weiss told STVR.
Slovakia played without several key figures due to injuries, including Adam Obert, Tomáš Suslov, Ivan Schranz, and Stanislav Lobotka. Coach Weiss made five changes to the starting lineup that beat Moldova 4:0, handing a debut to Ľudovít Reis and recalling Albert Rusnák after a four-year absence. “Mali sme päť vynútených zmien v zostave. Je ťažké nahradiť hráčov ako Lobotka,” Weiss explained.
Prekop Scored Early Before Slovakia Missed Chances
Erik Prekop opened the scoring in the 17th minute after collecting a pass from Dávid Hancko. Prekop celebrated with tears in his eyes before describing his emotions to reporters. “Mrzia nás inkasované góly. Postúpili sme, tak sme asi šťastní. Tréner mi dal neskutočnú dôveru,” Prekop said.
Slovakia missed opportunities to extend their lead before Dávid Strelec squandered a clear chance. Strelec later fouled an opponent to concede a penalty kick, which Jóannes Davidsen converted in the 30th minute. Right after halftime, the Faroe Islands capitalized on another defensive lapse when Ísak Samuelsen scored in the 47th minute to put the visitors ahead 2:1.
Haraslín Saves a Point
Lukáš Haraslín rescued the draw and guaranteed promotion by scoring in the 74th minute with a deflected shot. “Náročný zápas, už každý vie hrať futbal. Chceli sme vyhrať, ale berieme aj bod,” Haraslín said.
Match statistics showed the Faroe Islands generated an expected goals (xG) value of 2.06 compared to Slovakia’s 1.63. “Netešili sme sa tak, ako by sme mali. Vydretý bod, vydretý postup. Remíza je zaslúžená, klobúk dole pred Faerskými ostrovmi,” Weiss added.
Match Details and Lineups
Slovakia fielded Dominik Greif in goal, with a backline of Martin Valjent (replaced by Ľubomír Mesík in the 63rd minute), Ľubomír Šatka, Milan Škriniar, and Dávid Hancko.
The midfield featured Reis (substituted by László Bénes’ replacement Tomáš Bero in the 84th minute), Albert Rusnák (replaced by Robert Boženík in the 63rd minute), and Ondrej Duda, while the attack consisted of Prekop (replaced by Tomáš Bobček in the 90+3rd minute), Strelec (replaced by Nino Marcelli in the 84th minute), and Haraslín.
The Faroe Islands played with Mattias Lamhauge in goal, supported by defenders Odmar Færø, Gunnar Vatnhamar, and Jóannes Danielsen, along with midfielder Brandur Hendriksson Olsen and forward Joan Edmundsson. Finnish referee Al-Emara officiated the match in front of 11,013 spectators.
Matchday Questions Answered
Who scored the goals for Slovakia against the Faroe Islands?
Erik Prekop opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and Lukáš Haraslín added the equalizing goal in the 74th minute.
What was the final score of the Slovakia and Faroe Islands match?
The match ended in a 2:2 draw after goals from Prekop and Haraslín for Slovakia, alongside a penalty by Jóannes Davidsen and a goal by Ísak Samuelsen for the Faroe Islands.
Which key players missed the match for Slovakia?
Slovakia played without injured regulars Adam Obert, Tomáš Suslov, Ivan Schranz, and Stanislav Lobotka, alongside Leo Sauer and goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.