Photo: Bildbyrån
The news of Alexander Isak’s injury is welcomed by Sweden’s opponents ahead of the Nations League summit.
– It is definitely a huge loss for them, says Slovakia’s team captain and defensive star Milan Skriniar.
At the same time, he and the Slovaks have their own problems.
The first goalkeeper Martin Dubravkaclub mate with Alexander Isak in Newcastle, is missing, as is the striker Ivan Schranz and the midfielder Juraj Kucka.
– I’m not happy. In addition, is Ondrej Duda and Tomás Suslov not in the best shape, said the national team captain Francesco Calzona when he released his squad last week.
Three goals in the EC
Slovakia was one of the big positive surprises at the EC finals last summer. 1–0 against Belgium received a lot of attention. It could have been even better if not Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick in the 95th minute took England to the extra time which Harry Kane decided. That’s how close Slovakia was to the quarterfinals.
With his three goals, Ivan Schranz was one of the EC’s top finishers. The fact that he is missing at the National Stadium in Bratislava on Friday evening is a Slovak setback in the same class as Isak not being in the Swedish starting eleven. The defense star Milan Skriniarnow in Paris SG after the years in Inter, is impressed by Viktor Gyökeres constant target production.
– I already saw him last season. He scored many goals in every game. We can see that he is a born goalscorer. He will be the biggest danger for us, says the centre-back.
READ MORE: The numbers that show Gyökeres is the world’s best striker
To the extent that it has any significance, history speaks for Sweden, which has not lost any of the seven international matches between the countries. But apart from one meeting on a winter tour, there have been even matches. Stanislav Lobotkaone of the architects behind Napoli’s Serie A gold in 2023, warns about Sweden’s midfield and attack.
– Sweden has high quality there. It will definitely not be an easy match.
Keep track of Slovakia
Jon Dahl Tomasson saw Slovakia in place during the EC. He has also spent a lot of time in front of the computer.
– Of course we have had someone from the association who has seen them live, but we have also watched all their matches in the EC, Nations League and also matches before that. We have of course analyzed every match. On the computer you can watch 99 percent of everything, but it’s always good to have someone watching the game live. There you can see details, such as how the coach coaches the team, how the bench tries to influence the referee, he says.
TT: Do you have a good idea of how Slovakia plays?
– Yes, I have a clear idea of how they play. It’s a good team and I don’t expect any surprises, says Tomasson.
READ MORE: Viktor Gyökere’s incredible success on his Champions League debut – has now scored in eight straight games and reveals the future
Nice to have some national team football now with two important matches for Sweden in the Nations League.
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