Wales and Slovakia kick off Group B proceedings at Euro 2016 as they clash on Saturday, a few hours before England face Russia in the same group. This is the first ever presence at an European Championship for Wales. The two teams have not met in a direct clash since 2007, when Wales secured a solid 5-2 victory. That victory had the sweet taste of revenge as Slovakia beat Wales 5-1 a year earlier. Those two were the only meetings between the two sides, most likely the third won't have as many goals scored.
Joe Ledley, Joe Allen and Hal Robson-Kanu are all in doubt for the match, but Wales coach Chris Coleman is hoping to have at least Joe Allen fit to play. The last warm-up friendly was a cold shower for Coleman's men as they were defeated 3-0 by Sweden. Wales have not won any of their last four matches, losing three of them. Their last victory was in October 2015 when they defeated minnows Andorra 2-0.
Slovakia are full of confidence after a shocking 3-1 friendly victory against Germany at the end of May. That result was followed by a goalless draw against Northern Ireland, but that somewhat disappointing result extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Tomas Hubocan and Norbert Gyomber are injured and will most likely miss out.
Probable line-ups:
Wales: Hennesey - Chester, Williams, Davies - Gunter, Ramsey, Allen, King, Taylor - Bale - Vokes
Slovakia: Kozacik - Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Svento - Kucka, Pecovsky - Mak, Hamsik, Weiss - Nemec
My prediction: 2-2 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Wales win - 2.88 Draw - 3.00 Slovakia win - 2.88
Milaneli 7 years ago
This is be closest match of todays matches of Euroo 2016. Both teams are playing very well, this generation of their players are pretty much on their peek, and national team is playing along with that. Wales on the other hand has a few star players, who if preform well, lead team to the victory. Main focus for sure will...
This is be closest match of todays matches of Euroo 2016. Both teams are playing very well, this generation of their players are pretty much on their peek, and national team is playing along with that. Wales on the other hand has a few star players, who if preform well, lead team to the victory. Main focus for sure will be on a Bale. He will be supported by Ramsey from behind. I believe that Wales is going to take this 2:1.
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Cobra69 7 years ago
Slovakia is playing amazing football lately, they are real team, Hamsik is the best player of this generation and he is real leader on the field, they have everything to make a really good result here, first game against Wales, Wales have great players like Ramsey and Bale, but that's all, they are not team, so I think...
Slovakia is playing amazing football lately, they are real team, Hamsik is the best player of this generation and he is real leader on the field, they have everything to make a really good result here, first game against Wales, Wales have great players like Ramsey and Bale, but that's all, they are not team, so I think that Slovakia should win in this one.
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