slovak Futsal Team Triumphs in qualifying Match for Euro 2026
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Slovak futsal national team has secured its spot in the European Championship 2026. The team showcased their prowess in the opening match of the 3rd group, overcoming Moldova with a 3-2 victory in Lučenec.This win not only solidified their status as favorites but also set the stage for the next phase of their qualification journey.
A Nail-Biting Encounter
the match did not unfold as smoothly as the home team had hoped. Entering halftime tied at 1-1, the Slovaks faced a setback when Moldova took the lead early in the second half.However, the Slovak team, under the strategic guidance of coach Marián Berky, refused to back down. Within a mere 21 seconds, they turned the tide, with captain Tomáš Drahovský equalizing and Sebastián Bačo sealing the victory with a decisive goal.
The Road Ahead
The qualification cycle continues into the next calendar year, with the second round scheduled for February 4, 2025, in Poland. Here,Slovakia will face Turkey,adding another layer of excitement to their campaign. The top ten teams from the qualifying groups will earn direct promotion to EURO 2026,while the eight best second-place teams will advance to the play-off extension stage,vying for the remaining four spots.
The Final Tournament
The European Championship 2026 will feature sixteen teams, including the host nations Latvia and Lithuania. The tournament is set to take place from January 18 to February 8, 2026, in the cities of Riga and Kaunas.
Match Highlights
- Slovakia vs. Moldova 3:2 (1:1)
– Goals: drahovský (16′, 31′), Bačo (32′) for Slovakia; Obada (20′, from 10m), Gurgurov (24′) for Moldova.
– Referee: Ošomkov (Est.), yellow Cards: Doša, Drahovský, Medoň (Slovakia); Gurgurov (Moldova).
Team Lineup
- Slovakia: Mičuda (Kušnír) – Bielik, doša, Drahovský, Zaťovič, Belaník, Ivan, Směřička, Bačo, Ostrák, Greško, Medoň, Marton.
Post-Match Reflections
Marián Berky, SR coach: “It was a challenging match for the psyche, as our first-half performance was not up to par.During halftime, we encouraged the players to increase their activity. The lineup changes we made paid off, and although we had efficiency issues, we ultimately succeeded.”
Tomáš Drahovský, SR Captain: “These are good emotions, as the match ended happily for us. Despite the victory, the feelings are mixed. We need to approach matches differently. Even though we were leading, the opponent’s comeback was unnecessary. we must learn from this to avoid repeating mistakes. The second half was diffrent; we created pressure and turned the duel around.”
Looking Forward
As Slovakia gears up for their next challenge against turkey, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be crucial. Fans eagerly anticipate their performance in the upcoming rounds, hopeful for continued success on the path to EURO 2026.
Author: © List
Source: TASR
