Cyprus VS Slovakia, the away team grab three points

Match Time：3/25/2021 03:45 Thursday  (GMT+8)

FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) --  Cyprus   VS   Slovakia

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Slovakia square off against Cyprus on Wednesday evening as they look to take the first step to securing World Cup qualification for the second time in their history.  

 

While they have been drawn in a favourable group, Stefan Tarkovic's men will be wary of a Cyprus side who have performed well on home territory in the past.  

 

Match preview  

 

Ahead of their appearance at Euro 2020, Slovakia will be using the next three matches to assess the development of this squad.   

 

However, Tarkovic is also aware of the importance of claiming a top-two spot in Group H as the nation bids to reach its fourth major tournament since 2010.  Having finished bottom of their UEFA Nations League group, Slovakia cannot claim to be in the best of form, but they posted wins over Northern Ireland and Scotland in November.  

 

That would have been enough to show Tarkovic that his team can make an impact during their fixtures against Poland, Sweden and Spain in the summer.  

 

While the absence of star man Marek Hamsik is a blow, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise with alternatives eventually being required for the 33-year-old in the future.  Like the visitors, Cyprus endured a dismal time in the UEFA Nations League, claiming just one win from games against Montenegro, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.  

 

Although a 2-1 triumph over Luxembourg in November was a step in the right direction, nine defeats have been recorded in 11 outings.  Nikos Kostenoglou was appointed as the national team's new boss last month, but an opening triple-header against Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia is less than ideal for the former AEK Athens man.   

 

Cyprus prevailed in the last meeting between the two sides, edging to a 3-2 victory in a friendly back in 2009.  

 

Cyprus form (all competitions): LLDLWL 

Slovakia form (all competitions): DLLWWL 

 

Team News 

 

Martin Dubravka is expected to start for Slovakia with Marek Rodak absent through injury, while Jan Gregus could take the place of Hamsik.  

As a result of Norbert Gyomber not being named in the squad, David Hancko is an option in the middle of the backline.  

 

On the back of a 4-0 reverse in Montenegro, Kostenoglou could opt to make several changes to the Cyprus starting lineup.  

 

Paris Psaltis may be handed a debut at right-back, while the experienced Pieros Sotiriou should be recalled in attack.  

 

Cyprus possible starting lineup: 

 

Demetriou; Psaltis, Shelis, Laifis, T.Ioannou; Pittas, Artymatas, Kousoulos, N.Ioannou; Kastanos; Sotiriou  

 

Slovakia possible starting lineup: 

 

Dubravka; Pekarik, Hancko, Skriniar, Hubocan; Kucka, Lobotka, Gregus; Rusnak, Duris, Mak    

 

Cyprus 0-2 Slovakia