Slovakia v Russia / October 7th 2011 / KO: 19:15 (D - ESPN 22:00)

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Russia head coach Dick Advocaat has announced his choice of squad for the crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Andorra.
The list of 19 bears only one footballer who has never before been recruited to the country’s main squad – right winger Aleksandr Samedov.
The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form for Dinamo Moscow, a major factor in the club's revival this year.
Samedov will substitute injured Dmitry Torbinsky of Lokomotiv in the team, while Advocaat stresses it is not the injury of his partner which let him join the squad.
“Don’t think that I called up Samedov under the pressure from the media. He deserved it by his play,” Advocaat told the Sport-Express paper.
Samedov, who is of Azeri descent, has represented Russia at youth level, but never made the step up to the senior squad. He has turned down several requests to represent Azerbaijan internationally.
Russia leads Group B by two points, with 17 from eight games. Three other teams could also qualify from the group, including Ireland, in second on 15 points, and Slovakia and Armenia, joint third with 14 points.
Dick Advocaat’s men will travel to Slovakia on October 7 and play Andorra at home four days later.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vyacheslav Malafeev (Zenit St. Peterburg), Anton Shunin (Dynamo Moscow)
Defenders: Aleksandr Anyukov (Zenit), Aleksey Berezutsky, Vasily Berezutsky, Sergey Ignashevich (all CSKA Moscow), Roman Shishkin (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Midfielders: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Everton), Denis Glushakov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Ziryanov (all Zenit), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA), Aleksandr Samedov, Igor Semshov (both Dynamo)
Forwards: Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Zenit), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Tottenham Hotspur), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Stuttgart)

Can't find the Slovakian squad yet like.

Predictions? I think with Russia's quality they're good for at least a point, but they can be poor travellers and Slovakia are a better technical team than us so that is a plus. But I forsee them scoring an early goal and picking Slovakia on the counter like Armenia did. 3-1 to Russia, I think. In hindsight, bizarrely, just drawing to Slovakia could work out for us - they would no motivation going into this game otherwise!

Russia's mindset will be very interesting - will they play to win or will they be afraid of taking risks? All they need is a point, after all, and then they can relax and smash Andorra with their B team a few days later in Moscow. The longer the game stays at 0-0, the more they might go into their shells. If Slovakia score first, will Russia panic and get hit on the counter or will being obliged to attack suit them?

One thing is for sure, it should be intriguing. I will certainly be tuning in to watch this on an internet stream, anyone with me? Here's hoping at a quarter past 9, we will be celebrating the prospect of one the biggest and most realistic chances of reaching a major tournament that Irish football will ever get, the following Tuesday at the Aviva.

* I am presuming (perhaps foolishly?) that by the time this is over we will be beating Andorra by a couple.

AstonMartin

If we beat andorra and slovakia draw with russia what results do we need in the remaining games?

Le King

AstonMartin wrote: »

If we beat andorra and slovakia draw with russia what results do we need in the remaining games?

Beat Armenia.

GavRedKing

It would be a great result for us if Slovakia could take points from Russia but Russia also know if they win they're guarnteed top spot so they could go out and get the job done rather easily.

AstonMartin

We beat both andorra and armenia we qualify?

remember there was confusion among the rte pundits if we qualify because we scored in slovakia or slovakia qualify because they beat the table toppers russia and we didnt.

The_Kew_Tour

AstonMartin wrote: »

We beat both andorra and armenia we qualify?

remember there was confusion among the rte pundits if we qualify because we scored in slovakia or slovakia qualify because they beat the table toppers russia and we didnt.

Ireland can only take top spot if Russia lose to Slovakia and Ireland get 6 points in 2 remaining games(Or Russia lose to Andorra at home which lets face it would be shock of century)

bohsfan

AstonMartin wrote: »

We beat both andorra and armenia we qualify?

Two wins would guarantee us at least second spot. If Russia dropped points it would be enough to take top spot. Here's the permutations for the next round of games:

On the next matchday (7 October):

• Russia will win the group if they defeat Slovakia AND Republic of Ireland do not defeat Andorra.

• Russia will qualify (at least) as best runners-up if:
  • they defeat Slovakia, AND
  • in Group A:
    • Turkey do not defeat Germany, OR
    • Azerbaijan defeat Austria, OR
    • Belgium defeat Kazakhstan, OR
    • Azerbaijan draw with Austria AND Kazakhstan do not defeat Belgium, AND
  • in Group E: Sweden do not defeat Finland, AND
  • in Group G: Montenegro do not defeat England, AND
  • in Group H:
    • Portugal do not defeat Iceland, OR
    • Denmark do not defeat Cyprus

• Russia will secure a play-off spot if:
  • they defeat Slovakia, OR
  • they draw with Slovakia AND Armenia do not defeat Macedonia AND Andorra defeat Republic of Ireland.

• Republic of Ireland will secure a play-off spot if they defeat Andorra AND Macedonia defeat Armenia AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia

• Republic of Ireland will be unable to win the group if:
  • they lose to Andorra AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia, OR
  • they draw with Andorra AND Russia defeat Slovakia.

• Armenia will be unable to win the group if:
  • Russia defeat Slovakia, OR
  • they lose to Macedonia AND one of the following things happens:
    • Slovakia draw with Russia, OR
    • Slovakia defeat Russia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Armenia will be eliminated if they lose to Macedonia AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Slovakia will be unable to win the group if:
  • they lose to Russia, OR
  • they draw with Russia AND one of the following things happens:
    • Armenia defeat Macedonia AND Andorra do not defeat Republic of Ireland, OR
    • Armenia draw with Macedonia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Slovakia will be eliminated if they lose to Russia AND one of the following things happens:
  • Andorra do not defeat Republic of Ireland, OR
  • Armenia defeat Macedonia.

Spazdarn

We need to win both or games to top the group and we need a draw out of this fixture.

JerryHandbag

Slovakia have conceded 8 goals in this group, 7 of them to Armenia! So hard to judge them, they're very erratic. I think there's one more big performance from them and this could be it.

TheBunk1

This will be really interesting. I'll be cheering on the Slovaks for this one and hoping we win our last two (Armenia could be tricky and has a traditional Irish f**k up written all over it).

The hammering Slovakia got from Armenia could be a good thing. They've a chance to regain some respect at home in front of their fans, so it could be a big performance from them, last chance really.

Christ it'd be great to qualify automatically...

TheTosh

This game is all or nothing for Slovakia, so they have to take the game to Russia which is why I fancy them to get something out of it

briany

I see the Russia-Slovakia encounter being a squeaker. Don't let comparisons with Ireland and how they fared against these two colour how they will do against each other. Also not to forget the massive fact that Slovakia beat Russia in Moscow and good fortune aside, that's still quite an achievement.

And as well as that, this time nearly 2 years ago, Russia went to Slovenia needing to not lose in order to secure WC qualification and they did in fact lose so I wouldn't be looking at this game as a foregone conclusion. Russia certainly have the firepower to win this game easily but the question is will their players be up for it on the day?

In some ways it would be relief if Russia did beat Slovakia because it would take some pressure off Ireland where it would be a fairly comfortable road to the playoffs. Presuming Ireland beat Andorra and if they can't do that.....yadda yadda......Then Ireland would just need to not lose to Armenia and take our chances in the playoffs. Then again, the playoffs may just be a way to postpone yet another spectacular Irish failure.

Predalien

I wouldn't be too optimistic about this being a perfect result for us, I think Russia, only needing a draw, will get exactly that.

TaosHum

I think Slovakia may be abit like Ireland in the sense they do not like being the favorite and prefer to play with lesser expectations.

I'm basing this on the fact that they have ****ed twice against Armenia, were poor when we played them in Slovakia and only managed to draw with New Zealand in the World Cup.

You then look at how they qualified for the WC from a very tough group where they wouldn't have been true favorites in many of the games, beat Italy at the WC, beat Russia in Moscow and played us off the park in Dublin.

I think that after the drubbing they got from Armenia and the fact expectations will be low, they will produce a result against Russia.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Some fresh Slovakian news - squad announced yesterday. Hodně štěstí Slovensko!

Slovakia named a squad of 22 players for the upcoming EURO 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Macedonia.

Slovakia manager Vladimír Weiss recently announced the squad for the EURO 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Macedonia. Slovakia is tied for third place with 14 points and will need some help to finish in the top 2 of the group. Ireland seems to have the most favorable schedule by facing Andorra and Armenia in the final two games so Slovakia will likely need six points from these next two games.

Macedonia and Slovakia met in the first game of the campaign where Slovakia celebrated a slim 1:0 home victory with the lone goal being scored in the 90th minute by Filip Hološko. That game left a lot of bad taste in the mouth of the Macedonian players so they will look for some revenge on 11 October 2011 by eliminating Slovakia from the competition.

Here is the Slovak squad:

Goalkeepers: Ján Mucha (Everton, England), Dušan Perniš (Dundee United, Scotland)

Defenders: Radoslav Zabavník (Mainz, Germany), Peter Pekarík (Kayserispor, Turkey), Martin Škrtel (Liverpool, England), Ľubomír Michalík (Carlisle United, England), Ján Ďurica (Lokomotiv Moskva, Russia), Kornel Saláta (Rostov, Russia), Tomáš Hubočan (Zenit, Russia), Marek Čech (Trabzonspor, Turkey)

Midfielders: Karim Guédé (Slovan Bratislava), Juraj Kucka (Genoa, Italy), Miroslav Karhan (Spartak Trnava), Róbert Jež (Polonia Warszawa, Poland), Igor Žofčák (Slovan Bratislava), Marek Hamšík (Napoli, Italy), Vladimír Weiss (Espanyol, Spain), Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)

Attackers: Juraj Piroska (Senica), Filip Hološko (Beşiktaş, Turkey), Filip Šebo (Slovan Bratislava), Erik Jendrišek (Freiburg, Germany)

Wow, and we complain about Paul McShane (quite rightly, in fairness). But at least he doesn't play for an average League One club.

Slovakia call-up means Carlisle Utd's Michalik will miss Brentford game

Last updated at 12:51, Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Greg Abbott’s defensive plans at Carlisle United are again set to be disrupted after Lubo Michalik was called up by Slovakia.



Lubo Michalik

The big centre-half is in Vladimir Weiss’s squad for Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Macedonia, ruling him out of United’s home clash with Brentford on Saturday week.
The call-up for Michalik will force Blues boss Abbott into more changes to a back line which has rarely been settled so far this term.
And it will mean United will have to try to win without the 28-year-old for the first time this season, after failing in their four previous attempts when he has been away on international duty.
Michalik will be involved in the Slovakia squad for crucial Group B qualifiers at home to Russia and away to Macedonia on October 7 and 11 respectively.
The ex-Leeds man was an unused sub for Slovakia’s previous two games against Ireland and Armenia, with their 4-0 defeat in the latter game meaning they must beat Russia to stand a realistic chance of qualification for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Michalik had previously ended his four-year wait for a fifth cap by playing the full game in a friendly victory in Austria.
That made him the third Carlisle player to win a full international cap while playing for the Blues, after Eric Welsh and current team-mate Peter Murphy.
The Blues coped without Michalik during his absence for the Austria game, beating Oldham on penalties in the Carling Cup first round after a 1-1 draw.
But his absence for the two qualifiers coincided with a run of three defeats in separate competitions, as United went down to Aldershot, MK Dons and Accrington Stanley in the Carling Cup, League One and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy respectively.
Michalik will miss next Saturday’s clash with Uwe Rosler’s Brentford but will return in time for Carlisle’s following fixture at Yeovil.
Abbott said: “Lubo is having a good season and that is getting him recognition at international level. He’s a big loss to us when he goes, but it is a fantastic achievement.”
United remain optimistic Lee Miller will be fit for this weekend’s trip to Walsall and are monitoring the striker on a daily basis.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Football - Euro 2012 qual.

03/10/2011 - 19:31 - Updated 03/10/2011 - 20:38Russia lose striker Kerzhakov for Slovakia qualifier




Imago

Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakov will miss the Euro 2012 Group B qualifier away to Slovakia on Friday after suffering an ankle injury at the weekend.

Zenit St Petersburg said on their website Kerzhakov, the Russian league's leading scorer with 16 goals, had damaged ligaments in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Spartak Moscow. He could be sidelined for up to two weeks.
Russia coach Dick Advocaat has called up uncapped Rubin Kazan striker Vladimir Dyadyun.
The Russians will also miss first-choice goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev, out for the rest of the year with a knee injury.
Russia, who lead second-placed Ireland by two points with Armenia and Slovakia three points adrift, host last-placed Andorra in their final qualifier next Tuesday.

GavRedKing

IRISHSPORTSGUY wrote: »

Football - Euro 2012 qual.

03/10/2011 - 19:31 - Updated 03/10/2011 - 20:38Russia lose striker Kerzhakov for Slovakia qualifier

Things just got very interesting. :cool:

briany

Is that definitely definite? I remember we all thought that what's his face would be out for Slovakia against Ireland but he ended up playing anyway. The ligaments thing does sound a bit more concrete though. No matter if the entire Russian first team is out, Slovakia still have to show up and they have well and truly been blowing hot and cold this campaign. Much like Ireland, they have the capacity to raise their game when pitted against better opponents but also like Ireland, there seems to be a limit to how many times they can do it in a campaign. Two results against Russia in one campaign. Likely?

IRISHSPORTSGUY

briany wrote: »

Is that definitely definite? I remember we all thought that what's his face would be out for Slovakia against Ireland but he ended up playing anyway. The ligaments thing does sound a bit more concrete though. No matter if the entire Russian first team is out, Slovakia still have to show up and they have well and truly been blowing hot and cold this campaign. Much like Ireland, they have the capacity to raise their game when pitted against better opponents but also like Ireland, there seems to be a limit to how many times they can do it in a campaign. Two results against Russia in one campaign. Likely?

Aye, he will definitely miss Slovakia. Can't wait for this match. Even if Slovakia fail to win, it will just strengthen our hand at consolidating a playoff.

Russia are by far the most talented team in the group, but talent doesn't necessarily mean results if they approach this the wrong way. It sounds a bit cliched, but they need to get their mentality right. A hostile away ground with the oppo knowing it's all or nothing and Russia will just get more nervous the longer they don't score or if the game is drawing going into the closing stages. With so much at stake they could choke like they did against Slovenia in the World Cup playoffs.

Coillte_Bhoy

Anyone know if this match is live on any of the satellite channels that most pubs have?

Stevecw

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Anyone know if this match is live on any of the satellite channels that most pubs have?

Not on any of the Irish/UK channels, but will be very easy pick up a stream online. Or any of the pubs that normally branch out a bit will get it from Slovakian.Russian tv.
If in Dublin Murrays Bar/Living Room on top of O'Connell St is always good for any game u want. Have this of course.

http://www.murraysbar.eu/sport/

kerosene

Is it not on at the same time as the irish match, surely all pubs will be showing our game

Coillte_Bhoy

Stevecw wrote: »

Not on any of the Irish/UK channels, but will be very easy pick up a stream online. Or any of the pubs that normally branch out a bit will get it from Slovakian.Russian tv.
If in Dublin Murrays Bar/Living Room on top of O'Connell St is always good for any game u want. Have this of course.

http://www.murraysbar.eu/sport/

Bit of a trek from mayo but thanks anyway:)

Coillte_Bhoy

kerosene wrote: »

Is it not on at the same time as the irish match, surely all pubs will be showing our game

No particular reason it should be

tolosenc

IRISHSPORTSGUY wrote: »

Even if Slovakia fail to win, it will just strengthen our hand at consolidating a playoff.

If Slovakia fail to win that just confirms that Armenia are our rival for the 2nd spot.

Do or die for Slovakia, but they are entirely inept in defence and attack. It'd be like Ireland if we weren't arguably the best side defensively in Europe at the moment.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

tolosenc wrote: »

If Slovakia fail to win that just confirms that Armenia are our rival for the 2nd spot.

Do or die for Slovakia, but they are entirely inept in defence and attack. It'd be like Ireland if we weren't arguably the best side defensively in Europe at the moment.

I mean if Slovakia fail to win we just need a point for a playoff. Whereas if Slovakia are victorious we're in a stronger starting position which is obviously more favourable, but it's a double edged sword because we will most likely need to win as drawing would probably mean 3rd place.

briany

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

No particular reason it should be

Surely what match will be shown will be determined on a pub by pub basis, by availability and by consensus amongst the football watching patrons of each pub (if there are even enough of them)?

I mean if Slovakia fail to win we just need a point for a playoff. Whereas if Slovakia are victorious we're in a stronger starting position which is obviously more favourable, but it's a double edged sword because we will most likely need to win as drawing would probably mean 3rd place.

I'd rather have it all come down to Armenia at home than face any of the half decent teams that we're likely to encounter in the playoffs. I don't think any of the teams looking at a second place, 1st pot playoff spot will have any sleepless nights about facing Ireland. Yes they will expect a physical, low scoring game(s) but you only have to look at Ireland's playoff record, the fact that they do not set out to surprise but to grind and therefore setup in a consistent fashion, to be worried. Other teams will know what they are getting facing Ireland and will try to play accordingly. Ireland being dogged as they are will never loose by a wide margin but will probably loose out overall, perhaps on away goals.

Despite what others say, I wouldn't be hugely worried about Armenia. Ireland beat them in Yerevan (such a crucial, crucial result in retrospect) so why not in Dublin? Also, even though they played well against Russia and Slovakia, I don't think they are too comfortable trying to cope with Ireland's physical albeit primitive style of play. They seemed to lack the bit of physical presence needed to keep the ball under pressure which is something Russia and Slovakia possess while still being quite technical.

noodler

If we don't win our last two games we will almost certainly get nothing - nada.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

DICK ADVOCAAT insists that Russia are favourites to finish on top of the Group B table in the Euro 2012 qualifiers because they're the only team who have their fate in their own hands.
It's being teed up to be a very tense week in eastern Europe, with group leaders Russia taking on Slovakia in Zilina on Friday night, while, over in Yerevan, Armenia are at home to Macedonia.
Each of the four teams in contention for the top two places in the group feel they have a chance of at least a play-off spot, with Armenia making confident noises about sneaking into second place ahead of Ireland or Slovakia -- but Russia are in the driving seat, as their manager, Advocaat, admits.

Top
"I feel we are favourites. We are on top of the group but the only thing that's important is that we're top of the group on Tuesday night," Advocaat said.
"It's most important that everything is in our own hands, and other teams in our group are not able to say that;. Now we just have to finish off the job that we started."
Russia do have at least one problem as star striker Alexander Kerzhakov will miss Friday's game in Zilina through injury but Spurs forward Roman Pavlyuchenko is on standby to take over his role in the team.
Slovakia are not without their problems as their captain -- and Gok Wan lookalike -- Marek Hamsik is suspended.
Meanwhile, Armenia have added some Dutch courage to their bid to outwit Ireland in the race for Euro 2012 qualification.
The Armenian squad are this week in Yerevan training for Friday's game at home to Macedonia, fans hoping that the team managed by Vardan Minasyan can get the win they need to leave them only a point behind Ireland when they play in Dublin next Tuesday.

Face
And there was a new face in the squad as Dutch-based midfielder Araz Ozbilis, who plays for Ajax, is in the squad for the first time after the Turkish-born player declared for Armenia, and received the necessary passport following the intervention of Armenia's president.
Ozbilis may not feature in their game against Macedonia but he is in the squad and could be pressed into action in Dublin if needed.
Coach Minasyan left it late to name his squad as his panel for the double header was only revealed yesterday.
Armenia have 12 foreign-based players in their squad but apart from Ajax man Ozbilis, the rest all play for clubs in Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Iran.
ARMENIA SQUAD
Keepers: Roman Berezovski (Khimki, Russia), Gevorg Kasparov (Mika).
Defenders: Sargis Hovsepyan (Pyunik), Hrayr Mkoyan (Mika), Robert Arzumanyan (Jagellonia, Poland), Valeri Akeksanyan (Sanat-Naft, Iran), Levon Hayrapetyan (Legia, Poland), Artak Edigaryan (Pyunik), Artur Yuspashyan (Pyunik), Varazdat Haroyan (Pyunik).
Midfielders: Artur Edigaryan (Banants), Henrik Mkhitaryan (Shatktar), Karlen Mkrtchyan (Matallurg Donetsk), Edgar Malakyan (Pyunik), Araz Ozbilis (Ajax), Zaven Badoyan (Impuls).
Forwards: Gevorg Ghazaryan (Metallurg Donetsk), Marcos Pizelli (Metallurg Donetsk), Edgar Manucharyan (Ural, Russia), Yura Movsisyan (Krasnodar, Russia), Artur Sarkisov (Shinnik, Russia).
- Aidan Fitzmaurice

Crud.

JerryHandbag

noodler wrote: »

If we don't win our last two games we will almost certainly get nothing - nada.

And we will deserve nothing either if we can't beat these 2 teams.

TheBunk1

kerosene wrote: »

Is it not on at the same time as the irish match, surely all pubs will be showing our game

The Slovakia v Russia game is kicking off at 19.15 and ours is not till 20.30, so ya could catch the first half anyway.

Hamsik is a loss to Slovakia, but some of the results and performances in this group have been as mad as a bag of badgers, so I've stopped with the predictions and permutations. Anything could happen.

C'mon Ireland (and Slovakia) :pac:

Fowler87

Cant see anything other than a draw in this.. But it favours well for Slovakia that Hamsik has been in good form for Napoli

EDIT: Didnt realise Hamsik wont play!

TheBunk1

Fowler87 wrote: »

Cant see anything other than a draw in this.. But it favours well for Slovakia that Hamsik has been in good form for Napoli

Hamsik is suspended mate, unfortunately...

The_Kew_Tour

It's been such an odd group God only knows what will happen, but if I had put bet on I dont think Slovakia will win this one I am afraid.

Can see 1-1

IRISHSPORTSGUY

I feel much less confident of a Slovakian win knowing Marek Hamsik will be missing. He's a top European player.

Don't know much else about the Slovakian squad. We all know about Skrtel. Weiss usually looked a tidy, skilful, yet lightweight player when he played in the British leagues. Mucha is Everton's sub keeper. And Stoch was highly rated as a youngster at Chelsea but never made the breakthrough. Don't know a thing about the rest of them, but it's reassuring that the majority play in decent leagues (Germany, Russia, Turkey).

I'm clinging on to the fact that Russia choked against Slovenia (a lesser team, IMO) in the World Cup playoffs for hope. Hopefully we'll have the new Gary MacKay in a couple of days.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Cech ready to go all out against Russia

Slovakia v Russia: GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI’S Republic of Ireland were offered a Euro 2012 bail-out in the sleepy Slovakian resort of Senec yesterday but it is highly unlikely that they will even want to take up Marek Cech’s proposal.
The initial notion put forward by the Trabzonspor defender may well be music to the ears of Irish fans eagerly awaiting the final two rounds of qualifiers for the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.
Confirming that Slovakia will go out all out to beat Group B leaders Russia in a Friday night game they simply have to win, Cech conceded that three points for his side in their penultimate qualifier will be just as important to those on duty for Ireland in Andorra.
“We will happily do Ireland a favour by beating Russia on Friday night but first we must do ourselves a favour and win this match for Slovakia,” said the former West Brom player.
Then came the caveat as Cech laid out the price of this particular European rescue package for the Irish in a group with four contenders still fighting for the top two spots.
“If we do Ireland a favour by taking all three points off Russia, we want to swap that with an Ireland draw against Armenia in Dublin next Tuesday night,” added the player who scored the equaliser in what was Stephen Ireland’s last game for his country, down the road in Bratislava back in 2007.
Cech’s demand is based on the fact that Russia, Slovakia and Armenia can all finish on 20 points in a group with more permutations than a Greek budget.
The downside to his payback charge for a win over the Russians is the fact that an Ireland draw with Armenia could see Slovakia qualify automatically, Russia into the play-offs and Trapattoni picking up his marching orders from the FAI.
A slight injury doubt for tomorrow’s game with an ankle problem, Cech’s first point of reference when discussing this fixture was his own national interest.
“We will do everything to beat Russia simply because it is a game we must win for Slovakia before we win it for anyone else,” said. Cech.
The Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel was another to promise one hell of a Slovakian effort as their players spoke publicly at their regular training base in Senec yesterday morning.
Skrtel, criticised in some quarters for the quality of his defending as Slovakia slumped to a 4-0 home defeat to Armenia after their deserved scoreless draw in Dublin last month, knows exactly what is at stake in Zilina tomorrow night.
“The draw is good enough for Russia and that only adds to the pressure on us,” admitted Skrtel. “We have to expect that Russia are going to beat Andorra at home next Tuesday so they can afford to come here, sit back and see what we are going to do. A nil-nil will be enough for them because a win against Andorra will see them through then.
“What’s annoying is that we had this group in our hands but we failed to score in Dublin and then we didn’t convert four or five first-half chances against Armenia and they made us pay.
“We are not scoring enough goals. I thought we played well as a team against Ireland and the first-half against Armenia was as good as we have played in this qualification group but we didn’t make it count.”
Skrtel has matters other than the Euro 2012 qualifiers on his mind after arriving late into camp yesterday.
His wife, Barbora, is about to give birth back in England and he was given leave of absence to spend some extra time with her by boss Vladimir Weiss.
“I am very nervous about the baby and hope that the baby waits to arrive until after I am finished with the match against Russia,” confessed Skrtel at a time when his fellow players need to deliver in Zilina.
Venue: Stadion MSK ŽZilina Kick-off: Tomorrow, 7.15pm

steelcityblues

Away win for Russia, I think.

if Armenia can hammer them at home, then Russia certainly can win there.

NabyLadistheman

steelcityblues wrote: »

Away win for Russia, I think.

if Armenia can hammer them at home, then Russia certainly can win there.

Im afraid this group doesn't work with that logic. Sur Slovakia won in Russia

killwill

Fowler87 wrote: »

Cant see anything other than a draw in this.. But it favours well for Slovakia that Hamsik has been in good form for Napoli

EDIT: Didnt realise Hamsik wont play!

TBH Hamsik is no great loss. He has not put a huge effort in in the qualifiers and is not a patch on the Hamsik at club level.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Russia can draw their own conclusions while Armenia seek a fast finish

RUSSIA CAN render Ireland’s efforts all but irrelevant if they avenge their Moscow defeat to Slovakia when the teams meet again this evening, with kick-off 75 minutes ahead of the Irish game.
Nothing but a home win will keep Slovakia in this competition – and aid Ireland as their boss Vladimir Weiss acknowledged yesterday – but even a draw should be enough for the visitors who entertain Andorra in Tuesday’s final Group B game.
“If my players don’t understand what is at stake tonight and realise what we have to do here in Zilina, then they have a problem,” said Advocaat, who earlier this week warned those same players that he will quit if they don’t make Euro 2012.
“We still have qualification in our own hands but Slovakia have already shown us in their win in Moscow that we cannot relax against them.”
The MKS Stadium is sold out for tonight’s game but local confidence is confined to within the Slovakian camp. Those outside the tent, as Mick McCarthy used to say, fear their team will shoot more blanks tonight, just as they did in the 0-0 draw in Dublin and the 4-0 reversal at home to Armenia last month.
Coach Vladimir Weiss doesn’t share that view. “We are in a better position psychologically going into this game than the Russian team,” said Weiss, without left back Marek Cech, strikers Stanislav Sestek (suspended) and Robert Vittek (injured).
“Everybody in Russia expects their team to qualify and that puts all the pressure on their players. I know we will score in this game. I also know Russia’s last four goals have come from deflections. They couldn’t score against Ireland in Moscow. If we play as we did in Russia and defend well, then we can win this one.” Captain Marek Hamsik – the one Slovakian player named by Advocaat at his pre-match briefing – agrees with his manager. “We can score goals, that is all that has been missing from our game of late,” said Napoli’s influential midfielder.
“We will take heart from what we did in Moscow. We had to defend hard that night and take our chance when it came and it will be the same in Zilina. Russia know we can beat them.”
Like his players, Weiss wants to do Ireland a favour.
“People are all the same. The Slovakian people want us to win for Slovakia and the Irish people want us to win for them. We will try,” promised Weiss.
Meanwhile, the game between Armenia and Macedonia in Yerevan could prove no less key in the outcome of the group, the Armenians’ startling 4-0 win away to Slovakia last month giving them a chance of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time.
A win for Armenia tonight and they would travel to Dublin for Tuesday’s final group game knowing that another victory could put them in to the play-offs.
After losing at home to the Republic in their opening game and then conceding a 96th minute equaliser, from a penalty, away to Macedonia, Armenia looked unlikely contenders in the group, but since then they’ve picked up four wins and a draw, their only defeat coming in Moscow.
Macedonia, now managed by John Toshack, are out of contention, and their hopes ahead of the game were hardly helped by the loss of their star man, Napoli’s Goran Pandev, after he suffered a thigh injury in training.

stesaurus

Seems the Armenia game is FTA on 13.0e if anyone can swing their dish out. Doesn't seem to be the case for the Slovak game.
Although both games will be on Betfair video, probably the other betting sites too but I haven't checked.

Banjaxed82

Anybody who predicts the result (Russsian win :mad:) of this match must be a complete mental case. Have you not seen how this group has unfolded? Given that it's the last chance saloon for Slovakia, they're the home team and it's effectively a "knock out" match for them, this could be a cracker of a game. I wouldn't bet on it.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

s.welstead wrote: »

Seems the Armenia game is FTA on 13.0e if anyone can swing their dish out. Doesn't seem to be the case for the Slovak game.
Although both games will be on Betfair video, probably the other betting sites too but I haven't checked.

http://liveonsat.com/LJ_foot_I_euro2012.php

According to this, Russia v Slovakia is FTA on 60.0E and 40.0E on channel Telechanel (Russia)

Can one get that on an ordinary Irish Sky dish? I'm no techy wizard so forgive me if I sound like an imbecile. :P

roryc

Hi guys, anyone know if you can watch the Armenia game online? Want to knock it up on my other screen in work and watch the first half before heading home...

Need one that works from Spain/Gibraltar...

Bodhisopha

IRISHSPORTSGUY wrote: »

http://liveonsat.com/LJ_foot_I_euro2012.php

According to this, Russia v Slovakia is FTA on 60.0E and 40.0E on channel Telechanel (Russia)

Can one get that on an ordinary Irish Sky dish? I'm no techy wizard so forgive me if I sound like an imbecile. :P

I'm afraid not.

Oat23

I'll be showing the first half of Slovakia v Russia before I switch over to the Andorra v Ireland match.

http://magic-tv.co/?page_id=1138

roryc

Oatesy23 wrote: »

I'll be showing the first half of Slovakia v Russia before I switch over to the Andorra v Ireland match.

http://magic-tv.co/?page_id=1138

Any idea if there's anywhere online showing the Armenia game?

Cheers...

Oat23

roryc wrote: »

Any idea if there's anywhere online showing the Armenia game?

Cheers...

http://vip-entertaiment.blogspot.com/p/blinertv.html
http://real-tv-sport.com/channel.php

Links to all games are here - http://forum.wiziwig.eu/threads/61346-Friday-s-Football-Links-7th-October-2011

Ganymede Glow

Russia will win this easy enough. Ireland never get favours

TeddyTedson

This is excellent

• Russia will win the group if they defeat Slovakia AND Republic of Ireland do not defeat Andorra.

• Russia will qualify (at least) as best runners-up if:
  • they defeat Slovakia, AND
  • in Group A:
    • Turkey do not defeat Germany, OR
    • Azerbaijan defeat Austria, OR
    • Belgium defeat Kazakhstan, OR
    • Azerbaijan draw with Austria AND Kazakhstan do not defeat Belgium, AND
  • in Group E: Sweden do not defeat Finland, AND
  • in Group G: Montenegro do not defeat England, AND
  • in Group H:
    • Portugal do not defeat Iceland, OR
    • Denmark do not defeat Cyprus

• Russia will secure a play-off spot if:
  • they defeat Slovakia, OR
  • they draw with Slovakia AND Armenia do not defeat Macedonia AND Andorra defeat Republic of Ireland.

• Republic of Ireland will secure a play-off spot if they defeat Andorra AND Macedonia defeat Armenia AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia

• Republic of Ireland will be unable to win the group if:
  • they lose to Andorra AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia, OR
  • they draw with Andorra AND Russia defeat Slovakia.

• Armenia will be unable to win the group if:
  • Russia defeat Slovakia, OR
  • they lose to Macedonia AND one of the following things happens:
    • Slovakia draw with Russia, OR
    • Slovakia defeat Russia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Armenia will be eliminated if they lose to Macedonia AND Slovakia do not defeat Russia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Slovakia will be unable to win the group if:
  • they lose to Russia, OR
  • they draw with Russia AND one of the following things happens:
    • Armenia defeat Macedonia AND Andorra do not defeat Republic of Ireland, OR
    • Armenia draw with Macedonia AND Republic of Ireland defeat Andorra.

• Slovakia will be eliminated if they lose to Russia AND one of the following things happens:
  • Andorra do not defeat Republic of Ireland, OR
  • Armenia defeat Macedonia.

IRISHSPORTSGUY

Nearly time. If Slovakia win I think we'll top the group. Hopefully a Paris-esque performance against Armenia where Trap is forced to take off the chains as a draw would probably be no good.