Surprise Group E leaders Slovakia attempt to continue their winning start to Euro 2020 when they face Sweden in Saint Petersburg

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Štefan Tarkovič’s side beat Poland 2-1 in matchday one, but Sweden will be an entirely different test after showing fantastic defensive resilience in a 0-0 draw against a dangerous Spanish side.

Spain may have had 86% possession, but a stunning performance by Robin Olsen and a brave defensive display gave Sweden what may be a vital point.

By no means were Sweden limited offensively, with Alexander Isak the main figurehead. The Real Sociedad striker proved why he is one of the most exciting strikers in Europe by almost singlehandedly taking on the Spanish defence.

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Slovakia, led by their talismanic captain Marek Hamsik, beating Poland was described as a shock by some but is this a fair judgement?

Sokoli can boast players of a high calibre such as Milan Škriniar, Hamšík, Martin Dúbravka, Juraj Kucka and Stanislav Lobotka, so it comes as no surprise that they pose a threat at this level.

These players certainly showed their quality against Poland.

Róbert Mak’s determined run and powerful low effort managed to find its way in to give his side an 18th-minute lead against the White and Reds.

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However, a lovely flowing move by Poland with Maciej Rybus at the heart of it created the opening for Karol Linetty to finish past Martin Dúbravka.

Slovakia’s cause was aided when Grzegorz Krychowiak picked up a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Jakub Hromada in the 62nd minute.

Milan Škriniar scored the winner for his country in the 69th minute, with a delicious effort on the half volley as Slovakia earned three points from their first match at Euro 2020.

Team News

Sweden

The Blågult will be grateful that they can recall Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski and Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg to the squad after both players were out with COVID-19.

Alexander Isak will look to build on his impressive performance against Spain, with Marcus Berg partnering the Real Sociedad striker. It’s not certain if Kulusevski will go straight into the midfield though after suffering the effects of COVID-19.

It is reasonable to think that Marcus Danielson and Victor Lindelöf will continue their partnership in defence with Robin Olsen attempting to gain his second clean sheet of the tournament.

Slovakia

The Slovaks made their way through the opening game of Group E unscathed and currently do not have any issues with COVID-19.

They can be expected to set up without a recognised striker. Ondrej Duda often occupies the false nine position, supported by Róbert Mak, whose slaloming run created the opening goal against Poland.

Jakub Hromada and Kucka are likely to anchor the midfield, whilst Milan Škriniar remains the key pillar of Slovakia’s defence.

This was Štefan Tarkovič’s first game in charge of the Slovakian team, and he will be hoping for a similar, if not better, outcome this time around.

Last time out

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The last time these two nations faced each other was in a friendly back in 2018.

Slovakia dominated possession and controlled the majority of the game. However, it was Sweden through John Guidetti who struck his first international goal in two years to give his nation a shock lead.

Former Manchester City academy player Albert Rusnák equalised in the 84th minute. Assisted by Jan Gregus, Rusnák placed a right-footed shot from the edge of the area past Kristoffer Nordfeldt which saw the game end in a 1-1 draw.

Head-to-Head

Slovakia and Sweden have played each other five times, with the Swedes winning three games and the other two games finishing in draws.

Sweden need a win to all but confirm qualification into the knockout stages, whilst Slovakia can afford to draw this game.

The Swedes have only conceded once in 2021, and if they avoid losing, this will mean an unbeaten run of six games will continue. This will be the longest spell unbeaten in the five years of Janne Andersson’s reign.

So will Slovakia continue their superb start to Euro 2020 or will Alexander Isak inspire Sweden to extend their unbeaten run and seal progression to the knockout stages?

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