MX23RW : Wednesday, February 12 04:26:34| >> :600:7046693:7046693:

Marek Hamsik: 'Slovakia are still outsiders in Group E'

Marek Hamsik: 'Slovakia are still outsiders in Group E'
© Reuters
Slovakia surprisingly top Group E after beating Poland while heavyweights Spain were held to a goalless draw by Sweden.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik insists his side remain the outsiders in their Euro 2020 group despite their impressive opening to the tournament.

Slovakia surprisingly top Group E after beating Poland while heavyweights Spain were held to a goalless draw by Sweden.

Victory over Sweden in their second game in St Petersburg on Friday would secure a place in the last 16 with a match to spare.

"It looks like maybe now we are the favourites because we are top but we are still underdogs in this group," said former Napoli midfielder Hamsik, 33.

"That is what we have in mind and nobody will give us anything. Only with a good performance can we get something, like against Poland.

"We fought together as a team and gave it our best efforts. Many players ended up with cramps. It was all about the team spirit and we have to repeat that in another tough game ahead against a very difficult opponent."

Hamsik has been playing his domestic football in Sweden since March after joining Gothenburg following a stint in the Chinese Super League.

He said: "From my personal experience in Sweden it is very typical for them to have fighting spirit, they are tireless. It will be very physical."

Sweden midfielder Albin Ekdal sees Hamsik as one of the main dangermen.

"Hamsík was one of Napoli's best players for many years and produced goals and assists," said the Sampdoria player.

"He's world-class. Though perhaps he's not at his best now, he remains a player to be wary of and respect."

Sweden coach Janne Andersson hopes his team will be able to express themselves more after a disciplined performance to nullify Spain.

Andersson said: "We put ourselves in a good position after the first round and now we need to build on that by playing a good match and hopefully getting a good result.

"The key will be to settle into our own way of playing. We had too little of that against Spain.

"I think Slovakia will not press as high as Spain and we will get to use other parts of our game."

Slovakia defender Denis Vavro is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19. The 25-year-old, who is asymptomatic, is now self-isolating. A member of the coaching staff also tested positive.

ID:451759: cacheID:451759:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3874:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Read Next:
Slovakia defender Denis Vavro tests positive for coronavirus
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea24127547311643
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!