Wales vs Slovakia - Preview

            

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- Latest events

WALES

·         An historic feat, a generation who’s leader is one of the best players in the world. Bale’s team believes they can continue their path to immortality but injuries in key players as are Ledley, Allen and Robson-Kanu are a big worry.

·         Crystal Palace’s player has the most serious injury, having broken is leg in May 7th, but has made a miraculous recovery, and might be included in the next two games. Allen was rested in the friendly against Sweden, and Kanu’s Achilles problem might take him out of the bout vs Slovakia.  

·         Coleman should keep his faith in the five in the back, despite the heavy defeat in Sweden. In that game Wales didn’t have many of their stars, so they know they can only do better in France.

SLOVAKIA

·         Slovakia protagonized one of the great moments in the preparation for the Euro, when they travelled to Augsburg and defeated Germany 1-3. Kozák’s team will look at this game as their standard performance for the competition.

·         The offensive rectangle formed by Hamsik, Weiss, Duris and Duda is a very fluid one, that’s always gravitating around Napoli’s sun. That was the formula that worked to dismantle Germany’s defense, united with the solid back lead by the experienced Skrtel.  

·         Against Wales the game will be different, as it’s assumed that Slovakia will have more possession, but they feel comfortable in that role. They’ll have to avoid committing too man in the offense though, as Wales counter can’t be overlooked.

- Expected Lineups

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- Areas to follow

WALES

·         Defense

The game in Sweden was a great wake up call. Three goals softly conceded showed Chris Coleman that qualification was good but the concentration will have to be in their peak. Ashley Williams did a good showing, despite the score, and will have to try to pass on the spirit to his teammates to avoid giving any space to the quick Slovaks.

·         Midfield

The injuries have taken its toll, even changing Wales’ style of play as, with Vokes in the attack, direct football is for the big man, rather than the spaces Bale finds. Ledley should be out and Allen was rested in hopes he can get back on a trio of experienced Premier League players - alongside Aaron Ramsey and EPL champion Andy King - that will have to close down Hamsik and his squires, and help Bale, appearing in Slovakia’s penalty area.

·         Attack

The great question in Coleman’s mind must be if he can risk Robson-Kanu or go with Vokes. The Reading player is coming off an injury but his essential in the strategy of having Bale as the most advanced man, with Robson-Kanu helping with his speed and finishing ability. Vokes, however, is a typical target man, and with him on the pitch we should see Bale as more of a playmaker, playing freely ahead of the midfielding trio. Vokes will be at the end of the kick and rush, holding the ball waiting for his teammates to join him.  

             

SLOVAKIA

•             Defense
  In the great test they faced before the Euro, Slovakia defense did a fantastic job, holding Germany to a single penalty goal, and then breaking down the world champions offensive and getting an historic win. A great showing that gave promise to Kozák.

•              Midfield
  
  Kucka and Hrosovsky will be vital for Slovak success. They will face the Welsh trio and will see Bale coming into their area of action fairly often so they will have to share the tasks effectively and quickly take possession forward to their four teammates up ahead. Hamsik, with his culture and leadership, will often help out defensively, and think the offense from the back.

•              Attack
  The speed, the constant changes of position, and their thirst for glory makes the front four Slovaks one of the most exciting attacking forces of the Euro. Weiss, Duris and Duda all feel very confortable with the ball at their feel, they are creative and technically gifted. And they’ll have Hamsik to feed them, with the Napoli man trying to carry what’s been doing in Italy to his national team.  

- FIL’S VERDICT

 This should be a very exciting game, in an open group, where the fight for qualification will be gripping. Slovakia’s lack of goals against Northern Ireland, in a similar game that they will face in the opening of Group B. The chances were there but with less space Kozak’s players failed to be effective, something they had against Germany.

 Wales will know that the game against Sweden is a good reference, and with most of their key players back, they will be strong in defense and will always be looking for Gareth Bale. The injury of Robson-Kanu gave Coleman a great decision to make, because deploying Vokes, with all his qualities, will change his style of play entirely.

 Expect goals in this game, as both teams hope they can get a win that boosts their chances of qualification. Both teams have good reason to believe they can do it, but for this game, we feel Slovakia is more likely to have good fortune. Wales will miss Ledley as well but don’t count them out. Who has Bale, can always win a game.

FIL’S PREDICTION

WALES 1-2 SLOVAKIA