The former footballer Blaise Matuidi is showing a ticket with the name Slovakia during the draw for the final tournament of EURO 2024 in Hamburg on December 2, 2023. (source: Martin Meissner)
The draw for the 2024 European Championships brought good fortune to the Slovak football team, placing them in Group E alongside Belgium, Romania, and the winner of Play-off B (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Israel, Iceland), wrote the daily Pravda.
Coach Francesco Calzona expressed his satisfaction, particularly for avoiding Italy, and sees the group as a balanced challenge: "I'm pleased that we didn't get the Italians, whom I didn't wish for. The group could have been easier or harder, but the decisions will be made on the field..."
The team's first competitive match in the era of independence will be against Belgium, followed by matches against the winner of Play-off B and Romania.
EURO 2024 division into groups. (source: UEFA)
Football expert Vladimír Goffa considers Group E manageable, highlighting Belgium from the first pot as an acceptable opponent. Goffa notes that Slovakia strategically avoided stronger teams like France, Spain, and England. Despite not getting the most attractive group, Goffa emphasises that the primary objective should be to advance to the knockout stage, expressing optimism about Slovakia's potential.
As fans eagerly anticipate Slovakia's performance in the Euro 2024, Goffa believes that the team has the potential to not only progress from the group, but also emerge as a dark horse in the tournament. He expresses curiosity about Calzona's players and suggests that Slovakia's faithful adherence to their established playing style, marked by an offensive approach, will be crucial for success in the upcoming European Championships. Goffa concludes by underlining the importance of maintaining the positive, and encouraging performances that have resonated with fans in recent times.
Against Belgium
Slovakia will play its first match against Belgium, a favourite in the group, on June 17.
"We are neither world nor European champions. There is no need to have exaggerated expectations," said former footballer Vratislav Greško in an interview with the Hospodárske Noviny daily.
"Of course, you need to have self-confidence, but rather it should be cautious optimism," he added.
