(Reuters) – The following is a factbox on Slovakia, who are in Group B at this year’s European Championship, which kicks off on June 11.
SLOVAKIA
FIFA ranking: 36
Coach: Stefan Tarkovic
Having been an assistant coach at the 2016 Euros, Tarkovic was handed the main role last year after Slovakia sacked Pavel Hapal despite the fact that he led them to the playoff final.
Captain: Marek Hamsik
The midfielder with one of the most recognisable mohawks in the sport, Hamsik is Slovakia’s most-capped player with 126 appearances under his belt.
The 33-year-old no longer plays in a top European league having joined Swedish side IFK Gothenburg but the former Napoli man is still capable of running the show in midfield.
Top player: Marek Hamsik
Tournament history
After splitting from Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia have qualified for the Euros once, in 2016, and were eliminated in the last 16.
Recent form:
2021 Slovakia 2-1 Russia World Cup qualifying
2021 Slovakia 2-2 Malta World Cup qualifying
2021 Cyprus 0-0 Slovakia World Cup qualifying
2020 Czech Republic 2-0 Slovakia UEFA Nations League
2020 Slovakia 1-0 Scotland UEFA Nations League
Tournament fixtures
June 14: v Poland, St Petersburg
June 18: v Sweden, St Petersburg
June 23: v Spain, Seville
William Hill odds to win: 250-1
(Compiled by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
