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Slovakia hopes for win against ruling football world champion Germany

Xinhua, June 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

Newcomer Slovakia reached the last-16 at Euro 2016 and will face very tough opponent, ruling world champion Germany. Slovak fans and players hope for win against them.

"Our heart, courage and willingness could help us to a good result. Germany is one of the top teams, great favourite, but we want to surprise them," said right full back Peter Pekarik, player of German Bundesliga team, Hertha Berlin, who knows very well the majority of German players.

"We know and respect the qualities of Mesut Ozil, Julian Draxler or Mario Gotze. But we hope that our coach set again a good tactics on Germany," pointed out Pekarik, refer to a friendly match in Augsburg, two weeks before Championship, where Slovakia beat Germany 3-1.

Coach Jan Kozak don't give any importance to the last match. He knows that Germany have played in France strong and won Group C without any goal in its net. They beat Ukraine 2-0, Northern Ireland 1-0 and had a draw with Poland 0-0.

"A very tough match is in front of us. Germany has an experienced and excellent team with several stars," said Kozak. His team finished on third place in Group B after losing to Wales 1-2, beating Russia 2-1 and drawing with England 0-0.

Slovakia have shown very solid defense with strong performance of goalkeeper Kozacik, who denied more than ten English shots in the decisive game of the group. Defenders Martin Skrtel, Jan Durica, Tomas Hubocan and Peter Pekarik belong to the best defensive line in the Euro 2016. Slovak offensive play is built on the captain of SSC Napoli, Marek Hamsik. The midfielder with typical punk haircut scored wonderful winning goal against Russia and his performance will be crucial for potential Slovak success against Germany.

The game will come in Sunday evening in Lille, the lucky city for Slovakia after win against Russia. Pekarik said that this match could decide by one goal. Endit