Slovakia 0-1 England: Player ratings
The Three Lions kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Slovakia at the Stadion Antona Malatinskeho, Trnava. As Allardyce, settled into his seat, he could have been forgiven for the nerves that might have possessed him. This was his first match as the England coach and there was a sense of anticipation
The Euros 2016 was the last occasion when both these teams faced each other and it seemed they were intent on continuing that stalemate here before Adam Lallana grabbed a late winner. The match was another dull affair except for few flashes of attacking intent.
Slovakia
Matus Kozacik – 7/10
The keeper was overworked and did well to keep his side in the game as they looked to snatch a late winner. Kept out the likes of Lallana and Sterling but was also assisted by a good defence. Very unlucky to concede in the last moments of the game as the ball squirmed through his legs with Lallana finally having the last laugh.
Tomas Hubocan–6.5 /10
The Slovak was a solid presence and kept the likes of Sterling and Walker quiet for most of the game. While there were umpteen number of crosses from the right flank, he never looked disconcerted. Was beaten for pace a few times but didn’t deter him from playing in his own way.
Peter Pekarik– 7.5/10
One of the better players on display as he constantly threatened the English defence with his quality crosses. Set the ball rolling with an early cross as early as the third minute and never looked back from there. Unfortunately, his deflection of Lallana’s shot resulted in the winning goal and it will be a bitter pill to digest.
Martin Skrtel– 5 /10
The captain let his side down by two rash challenges. He picked up a yellow card midway through the first half and after that looked like an accident waiting to happen as he picked up the second yellow card to proceed for an early bath. Till then the skipper was quite commanding, keeping Kane quiet and organising the defence.
Jan Durica – 8/10
Partnering Skrtel in central defence he was supposed to follow the lead of his captain. Instead, his solidarity and stability allowed the captain to take more risks and would have worked if Skrtel hadn’t been sent off. Will rue this loss after putting in such a splendid performance. Slovakia’s man of the match for me.
Huvocan– 6/10
The Marseille defender was beaten for pace like his compatriots but made up for it with tackles and better positioning as the game progressed. With Sterling and Walker both roving down his wing, he had to be alert throughout as he tried his best to keep their runs in check.
Robert Mak – 7.5/10
Worked tirelessly and tracked both Rose and Lallana with excellent timing of his interceptions. Performed admirably and played an integral part in maintaining the shaped of the team. Currently playing for FC Copenhagen, Mak’s contribution to attack was not decisive enough but his persistence should have impressed his teammates.
Jan Gregus– 6.5/10
Another workhorse in midfield as he kept on running tirelessly, especially his run on the half hour mark where he almost ran half the length of the pitch to lay off the ball for his teammate Svento. Other than that was constantly involved in breaking down attacks and covering the passes.
Victor Pecovsky– 6/10
One of the first changes made by Slovakia on the night was keener on shielding the defence rather than making any waves in attack. A good solid midfielder whose main job was to ensure that the defence didn’t see much of the ball. Hopefully, he will improve his attacking side of the game.
Marek Hamsik–6.5 /10
The Napoli man was largely a disappointing figure as he failed to get himself involved in the match. While he has earned plaudits for his attacking prowess, here he failed to muster any creativity and was largely anonymous throughout the game, especially in terms of attack. His defensive showing though prevents his rating from falling down further.
Dusan Svento –7 /10
The Sparta Prague winger was a very reliable outlet as and when the ball was played to him. Did well to support the lone striker and was at the heart of a very enterprising move with Gregus. Could have easily been on the score sheet as he failed to get any tangible connection from the Duris cross.
Michael Duris–6.5 /10
Played as the lone striker and must be ruing the 37th-minute chance which his team failed to take. Manfully he ploughed along and even when Slovakia were a man down he kept on main the runs. A selfless effort from the Slovakian.
Substitutes:
Frantisek Kubik -6 /10
He came on to replace Mak and immediately got into the thick of the action on the flanks. Combated the flank attack quite splendidly and was excellent defensively. Another of those days where defensive priority was the order of the day and he played the role to perfection.
Filip Kiss - 6/10
He must have had his heart in his mouth when Walcott put the ball in the net only to be ruled out for offside. He replaced the winger Svento as Slovakia looked to tighten up in the centre and contributed fiercely with his tackling and constant running.