Slovakia’s national football team lost a crucial home qualifying match against Slovenia 0-2 on Saturday, October 10, failing to take advantage of what appeared to be its best chance for direct qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next year.
Slovakia only needed a draw against Slovenia to guarantee a place in South Africa. They are still on top of Group 3 following the defeat – but if Slovenia beats San Marino as expected this Wednesday, October 14, coach Vladimír Weiss’s Slovak team will have to win in Poland on the same day in order to continue taking part in the additional play-offs in November. San Marino has lost all nine of their Group 3 games to date.
At the same time, Weiss will have to deal with the absence of several members of the first line-up who were booked for suspension during the game against Slovenia - defenders Radoslav Zábavník, Ján Ďurica and Martin Škrtel, and midfielder Miroslav Stoch.
Poland has no chance of qualifying but may be looking to salvage some pride at the end of what has been very disappointing campaign for them. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
