Estonia and Slovakia will kick off their UEFA Nations League C campaigns with a match in Tallinn on Thursday night, both teams eager to start their seasons on a strong note. Estonia, known as the Blueshirts, enters this game after a series of friendlies in 2024.
Despite their efforts, they fell short of qualifying for their first major tournament, missing out on the top two spots in their Euro 2024 qualifying group. Throughout 2024, Estonia has played four friendlies, including a notable victory in a penalty shootout against Lithuania on June 11. Their most significant recent win was a 4-1 triumph over the Faroe Islands, marking their largest margin of victory since a 4-0 win against San Marino in September 2022.
Estonia vs. Slovakia: Stats & Head-to-Head
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Having topped their group in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League, Estonia is aiming for back-to-back promotions to advance to League B. Their previous Nations League success offered a potential route to Euro 2024 through the playoffs. However, Estonia’s campaign ended in disappointment when they were defeated 5-1 by Poland in the semi-finals, with Poland eventually winning the tournament.
On the other hand, Slovakia, known as the Falcons, is looking to bounce back from their own Euro 2024 heartbreak. They had a strong showing in the Round of 16 against England on June 30, with Ivan Schranz giving Slovakia an early lead. However, a last-minute bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham and an extra-time header from Harry Kane saw England advance, ending Slovakia’s hopes.
Under the management of Francesco Calzona, who is approaching his 25th match in charge, Slovakia has shown competitiveness, including notable victories over Belgium and a draw with Romania during the European Championships in Germany. Despite this, Slovakia struggled in the 2022-23 Nations League, finishing third in their group behind Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, and failed to secure promotion to League B.
Team News
Estonia will be missing Maksim Paskotsi, who is sidelined for a few weeks due to an injury he picked up while playing for Grasshopper. Mark Lepik, who scored during the game against Lithuania in June, will be looking to secure a starting spot in the Blueshirts’ lineup for this match. David Strelec, recovering from an injury sustained at Euro 2024, is back in form with Slovan Bratislava and is expected to play for Slovakia on Thursday night.
Juraj Kucka, at 37 years old, remains a key midfielder for the Falcons and could earn his 110th cap for Slovakia in Tallinn.
Estonia vs. Slovakia: Probable Starting XI
Estonia: Vallner; Schjonning-Larsen, Peetson, Tur, Mets, Kuraksin; Shein, Palumets, Saarma, Tamm; Anier
Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skirinar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Haraslin, Strelec
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