Slovakia’s Futsal Team Starts euro 2026 Qualification with a Nail-Biting Win
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LUČENEC, Slovakia – In a thrilling opening match of the Euro 2026 qualifying campaign, Slovakia’s national futsal team edged out Moldova 3-2 in a dramatic comeback victory. The Slovaks, considered favorites going into the match, faced a tougher-than-expected challenge in lučenec, showcasing the competitive nature of the qualifying group.
The match saw Slovakia trailing 1-1 at halftime, a scoreline that didn’t reflect their dominance. Early in the second half, Moldova even took the lead, adding to the tension. Though, a stunning turnaround within 21 seconds saw captain Tomáš Drahovský equalize, netting his second goal of the game, followed by the game-winning strike from Sebastián Bačo. This electrifying sequence shifted the momentum decisively in Slovakia’s favor.
The qualification journey continues in February 2025 with a crucial match against Poland. turkey also stands as a significant opponent in their group. Ten group winners will automatically qualify for the Euro 2026 finals, while the eight best second-place teams will advance to the playoffs for the remaining four spots. Latvia and Lithuania, as co-hosts, have already secured their places in the tournament, scheduled for January 18 to February 8, 2026, in Riga and Kaunas.
Match details: Slovakia vs. Moldova
Slovakia 3-2 Moldova (1-1)
Goals: 16′ and 31′ Drahovský, 32′ Bačo – 20′ Obada (penalty), 24’ Gurgurov
Referee: Ošomkov (Estonia)
Slovakia Lineup: Mičuda (Kušnír) – Bielik, Doša, Drahovský, zaťovič, Belaník, Ivan, Směřička, Bačo, Ostrák, Greško, Medoň, Marton
post-Match Reactions
Coach Marián Berky commented on the match, stating: “It was a arduous match for the psyche, as we didn’t play so well in the first half. We encouraged the players during the break for the second half to increase their activity. We changed the lineup and it paid off for us. We had a lot of chances, we had a bit of a problem with efficiency, but in the end it was done.”
Captain Tomáš Drahovský, scorer of two goals, added: “these are good emotions, because the match ended happily for us. we won, but the feelings are a bit mixed. We have to enter the match a little differently. Although we were leading, but the…”
Slovakia’s Hockey Team Vows to Learn from Setback, Focus on Future Victories
Slovakia’s national hockey team is looking ahead after a recent disappointing loss, focusing on lessons learned and strategizing for future success. The team’s performance highlighted areas needing betterment, prompting a frank assessment and a commitment to rectify mistakes.
Following the match, a team spokesperson offered insight into the team’s analysis. ”The opponent turned around unnecessarily,” the spokesperson stated. “We have to learn from this for the next meetings in order to ensure they didn’t repeat the mistakes. The second half was already different, we created pressure and turned the duel around.”
The statement underscores the team’s commitment to self-reflection and improvement.The acknowledgment of avoidable errors, coupled with the observation of a stronger second-half performance, suggests a path forward focused on tactical adjustments and improved execution. This approach mirrors the strategies employed by manny successful U.S.sports teams, emphasizing both individual skill development and cohesive team play.
The team’s focus on learning from mistakes resonates with the broader sporting world.In the highly competitive landscape of international hockey, adaptability and a willingness to evolve are crucial for sustained success. The Slovakian team’s commitment to this principle bodes well for their future performance.
While specific details of the match remain undisclosed, the team’s post-game statement provides a glimpse into their internal review process. This proactive approach, emphasizing both self-critique and a forward-looking perspective, suggests a team dedicated to continuous improvement and a strong desire to achieve future victories.
The team’s determination to avoid repeating past errors and their focus on building momentum for future games highlight their resilience and commitment to excellence. This dedication is a key ingredient for success in any competitive sport, and it will be captivating to see how the Slovakian team applies these lessons in upcoming matches.
Source: TASR
Slovakia’s Futsal Team Kicks off Euro 2026 Qualifying With Dramatic Win
Slovakia’s national futsal team opened their Euro 2026 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Moldova. The match, held in lučenec, delivered a thrilling spectacle for fans as Slovakia overcame a second-half deficit to secure all three points.
A tense Encounter with a Dramatic finish
Despite being favorites ahead of the match, Slovakia found themselves in a tight battle against a determined Moldovan side. The score was locked at 1-1 at halftime,but Moldova took a brief lead early in the second half,raising the tension levels. However, Slovakia stormed back with two goals in quick succession. Captain Tomáš Drahovský not onyl equalized but also bagged his second goal of the game, before sebastián Bačo scored the decisive winner, all within a remarkable 21-second span.
Analysis from Slovak Futsal Expert, Marek Luka
We spoke with Marek Luka, a renowned Slovak futsal analyst, about this thrilling opening encounter:
World-Today-News: Marek, what were your initial thoughts on Slovakia’s performance against Moldova?
Marek Luka: “It was a game of two halves for Slovakia. they struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and were blessed to only be 1-1 down at the break. However, their response in the second half was truly notable. They showed great character and determination,and importantly,they utilized their attacking options effectively to carve out those crucial goals.”
world-today-News: Drahovský and Bačo proved to be decisive figures. Was this expected?
Marek Luka: “Drahovský is a leader for Slovakia, both on and off the pitch. His experience and goalscoring prowess are invaluable, and it’s no surprise he stepped up in a crucial moment. Bačo’s goal was a testament to the strength and depth within the Slovak squad.Their attacking options are varied and hazardous, which will be crucial as the qualifying campaign progresses.”
Looking Ahead to Future Matchups
Slovakia now faces a challenging qualifying campaign that includes matches against strong opponents like Poland and Turkey.
World-Today-News: Looking forward,what are the key areas Slovakia needs to address to ensure progress to the Euro 2026 finals?
Marek Luka: “Consistency will be crucial. They showed what they’re capable of in the second half against Moldova, but they need to replicate that level of performance over 90 minutes against tougher opposition. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced approach between attacking flair and defensive solidity will be essential.
World-Today-News: what are your overall expectations for Slovakia in this qualifying campaign?
Marek Luka: “With their talent and the experience of players like Drahovský, Slovakia has a genuine chance of reaching Euro 2026. They have a tough group, but if they can build on this opening win and address a few key areas, they have the potential to go far.”
