Our prediction for this match:
Slovakia
Match Time & Date:
09/06/2024
19:45
Prediction: 1-0
Wales
City Arena Trnava will be the centre of attention when Slovakia and Wales take on each other in a friendly on Sunday evening. The Slovaks faced no difficulties in a 4-0 win over San Marino, but they face a difficult task against the Dragons. Head coach Francesco Calzona shuffled his pack against the minnows, but the 55-year-old is going to field the best possible side against Wales. Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka returns to the starting XI as well as Ondrej Duda of Verona.
Wales, on the other hand, failed to qualify for the European Championship finals. As Rob Page will use upcoming games to test as many players as possible, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on Slovakia. Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out with injury and given Brennan Johnson’s (Tottenham) injury problem, home win should definitely be considered.
Highlighted Player (Stanislav Lobotka):
Born in Trencin on November 25, 1994, Stanislav Lobotka is a Slovakia international who plays for Celta Vigo in La Liga. Lobotka began his youth career at his hometown club AAC Sparta Trencin and he made his senior debut for fellow local club Trencin. In 2013 he signed a loan deal with Dutch side Ajax, but he played for Jong Ajax during the 2013/2014 season.
In the summer of 2014, the Slovakian midfielder returned to Trencin, where he made 74 appearances in the league in total. In 2015 Stanislav Lobotka joined Danish side Nordsjaelland shortly before the transfer window closed. Lobotka made his debut in the Danish top flight against Brondby on August 30, 2015.
Two years later he decided to make a step forward in his career, signing a five-year contract with La Liga side Celta Vigo. Speaking of his international career, the Celta Vigo midfielder made his Slovakia debut against Austria in November2016. It has to be noted that Lobotka became the first Slovak to score at Wembley, finding the net in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against England.
Highlighted Team (Wales):
Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Wales national football team has been competing in FIFA tournaments since 1950, although they have so far only reached two tournament finals. The Dragons surprised everyone by making it to the quarter-finals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but little did they know that it would remain their only World Cup appearance up to date.
Wales had plenty of problems in the European Championship qualifiers as well, but they finally managed to end the barren run by securing their place at the Euro 2016 in France. Led by the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams, the Dragons performed admirably throughout the campaign and even reached the 8th position in the FIFA Rankings in October 2015.
Neville Southall remains the team’s most capped player, but the generation that included Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson will also be remembered for some impressive performances against top European national teams.
USA
Mexico
Fluminense
Chelsea
