Slovakia vs Iceland
European Championship Qualifying
Thursday
16th November 2023
Tehelne Pole
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the European Championship Qualifying fixture between Slovakia and Iceland.
Slovakia vs Iceland: Preview
Slovakia form analysis
Slovakia’s recent run of European Cup qualifying games has showcased occasional goals but also clear limitations against superior opposition. They started with a gritty 1-0 away win in Liechtenstein thanks to Vavro’s late goal against stubborn resistance. However, problems surfaced in attack next game with an expected 1-0 home loss to Portugal, unable to threaten the visitors besides half chances.
Slovakia’s offense came to life next match, comfortably dispatching Liechtenstein 3-0 at home courtesy of goals from Hancko, Duda and Mak. But familiar issues arose in their next game, well beaten 1-3 at home by Portugal, rallying from two down before Ronaldo killed off their comeback. Most recently they ground out a hard fought 1-0 away win in Luxembourg thanks to Ďuriš’s late goal despite intense pressure. Overall, Slovakia has remained organized defensively but lacked attacking spark and creativity for long stretches. Adding more consistent threat upfront is crucial going forward.
Iceland form analysis
Iceland’s recent run of European Cup qualifying games has showcased their sporadic goal threat but also limitations against technically superior sides. They started with an unlucky 0-1 home loss to Portugal, matched for long stretches before conceding late to Ronaldo. Problems in attack surfaced next game in a disappointing 1-3 away defeat to Luxembourg, coming back late through Haraldsson after going three behind.
However, Iceland’s offense came to life next match, edging past Bosnia 1-0 at home courtesy of Finnbogason’s late winner in an even contest. Back came the attacking struggles in their next game though, drawing 1-1 at home with Luxembourg and needing Oskarsson’s opener before conceding. Iceland ended this run emphatically, demolishing Liechtenstein 4-0 away thanks to goals from Sigurdsson, Finnbogason, another Sigurdsson strike and Haraldsson. Overall, Iceland remains dangerous from set pieces but lacks consistency in attack against technical sides that can frustrate them.
