Sports
Slovakia beat Azerbaijan 2-0 in Euro 2020 qualifiers
Bratislava (Slovakia), Nov 20
Slovakia missed out on automatic qualification for Euro 2020, ending up third in Group E despite a 2-0 win against bottom side Azerbaijan in their final qualifying match.
The crowd at the Anton Malatinsky Arena witnessed the home side dominate from the start, keeping Azerbaijan's goalkeeper Emil Balayev busy. Their efforts were rewarded in the 19th minute when striker Robert Bozenik slotted home, putting Slovakia 1-0 ahead, reports Xinhua news agency.
The second half saw the Slovaks ease off, and they were almost punished for their slackness when substitute Renat Dadashov's individual effort came close to finding the net.
Undaunted, Dalian Yifang's star player Marek Hamsik made the home fans happy late in the game, after his long-range effort ricocheted off a defender and into Azerbaijan's goal to make the final score 2-0.
The Slovakians were hoping for a draw in the other Group E match on Tuesday between Wales and Hungary, which would have seen Slovakia finish second in the group to earn them a spot at Euro 2020. However, Wales triumphed 2-0 and now advance directly to the tournament along with group winners Croatia.
Slovakia still have one final chance to secure a spot at next year's tournament, as they will play Ireland in a two-legged playoff in March, with the winning side qualifying for Euro 2020.
The crowd at the Anton Malatinsky Arena witnessed the home side dominate from the start, keeping Azerbaijan's goalkeeper Emil Balayev busy. Their efforts were rewarded in the 19th minute when striker Robert Bozenik slotted home, putting Slovakia 1-0 ahead, reports Xinhua news agency.
The second half saw the Slovaks ease off, and they were almost punished for their slackness when substitute Renat Dadashov's individual effort came close to finding the net.
Undaunted, Dalian Yifang's star player Marek Hamsik made the home fans happy late in the game, after his long-range effort ricocheted off a defender and into Azerbaijan's goal to make the final score 2-0.
The Slovakians were hoping for a draw in the other Group E match on Tuesday between Wales and Hungary, which would have seen Slovakia finish second in the group to earn them a spot at Euro 2020. However, Wales triumphed 2-0 and now advance directly to the tournament along with group winners Croatia.
Slovakia still have one final chance to secure a spot at next year's tournament, as they will play Ireland in a two-legged playoff in March, with the winning side qualifying for Euro 2020.
2 hours ago
Ancient Hindu prayers to open Canada’s Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly 1st time
2 hours ago
Israeli army says recovers another hostage's body from Gaza
2 hours ago
US NSA to visit Israel for talks on ceasefire
2 hours ago
Scorching heatwaves: Rajasthan's Barmer, UP's Kanpur hottest at 46.9 deg C
2 hours ago
Now Nagaland poll panel urges Naga body not to abstain from local body polls
2 hours ago
LS polls: Kasab, Gabbar, ghosts, funeral pots, fake 'santaan' - Maha campaign blitz had it all
2 hours ago
PM Modi to address three election meetings in Punjab on May 23, 24
2 hours ago
Heavy rain in south Tamil Nadu, dams under surveillance in Kanyakumari
2 hours ago
LS polls: PM Modi to campaign in Jharkhand, Bengal; BJP chief Nadda to visit Haryana
2 hours ago
Calcium, vitamin D deficiency may affect bone health of pregnant women
2 hours ago
Why congenital heart disease remains a health concern in India
2 hours ago
Humans not at risk of deadly chronic wasting disease: Study
2 hours ago
IPL 2024: Batters, Yash Dayal shine as RCB enter playoffs with a stunning 27-run win over CSK