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Slovakia suffers bitter loss to England in opening World Cup qualifier

Xinhua, September 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

Slovakia suffered a loss in the opening match of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers at the hands of England 1-0 in Trnava on Sunday.

Adam Lallana scored in the fifth minute of extra time and ensured England's close victory.

Moreover, the Slovak team were reduced to 10 men after the dismissal of captain Martin Skrtel in the 57th minute for a foul on Harry Kane. Slovakia coach Jan Kozak said he was disappointed after match.

"Football is sometimes bitter. The first half was very good for our side. But the dismissal of Skrtel broke our plans for more offensive play in the second half. It was very difficult to survive the pressure of the English team," said Kozak.

Slovakia plays in qualification group F for World Cup 2018 together with England, Scotland, Lithuania, Slovenia and Malta. Endit