Our prediction for this Euro 2020 match:
After holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opener, Sweden will be aiming to record their first win of the process when they take on Slovakia in their second group game. The Ibra-less Swedes proved their worth in the draw with La Furia Roja, with Marcus Berg missing a clear-cut opportunity from a close range to seal the victory. Both Mattias Svanberg and Dejan Kulusevski are rated doubtful for the match after the duo was tested positive for coronavirus.
The Slovaks, on the other hand, did well to beat Poland in the opening match of their EURO 2020 campaign. Marek Hamsik and Co. aim to get their job done in Group E, but beating Sweden, look solid at the back is easier said than done. A close encounter is on the cards at Gazprom Arena, and we are tempted to put our money on draw.
Highlighted Player (Marcus Berg):
Marcus Berg is a Swedish footballer who was born on 17 August, 1986. The 184-cm-tall attacker played for the likes of Torsby, Velen and Goteborg during his youth career and he continued playing for the Anglarna at senior level.
Marcus Berg joined Groningen in 2007 and two years later he moved to Bundesliga, signing a deal with Hamburger SV. After spending the 2010/2011 season on loan at PSV, the Swedish striker made 13 appearances more for Hamburg and on 8 July, 2013 he joined Panathinaikos. Berg signed a four-year deal with the Greek outfit and it has to be noted that he scored his first goal for the team on his debut against Panetolikos.
The Swedish striker scored 15 goals in the 2013/2014 Greek Superleague campaign with Panathinaikos. Berg has 19 appearances for Sweden U21 team and he made his 42nd for the first team at the 2016 European Championship finals in France. The Swedish forward is well known for his heading ability.
Highlighted Team (Slovakia):
Slovakia only appeared on the international stage in 1993 as Czechoslovakia fell apart, and the new national team have yet to record a result worth mention. Repre have only qualified for two major tournaments so far, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2016, but the current generation definitely seem capable of improving the team’s profile in years to come.
Slovakia currently have quite a few players plying their trade in some of Europe’s top sides, with Marek Hamsik, Martin Skrtel and Juraj Kucka clearly the leaders of the national team at the moment, but they do struggle in some areas and are not exactly world beaters just yet. Under Vladimir Weiss and Jan Kozak, Slovakia have become a tough not to crack, relying on rock-solid back line and swift counter-attacks, and they even gave Spain a tough time during the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Miroslav Karhan and Robert Vittek are the most capped player and top goalscorer respectively, with Robert Vittek another player worth the mention.