Šatka will play on Euro 2021

The famous quote “to be or not to be” fits perfectly the clash between Northern Ireland and Slovakia. The two teams from group B faced each other in Euro 2021 playoffs. The latter side was in good mood ahead of the match, having performed very well in friendly matches. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland hasn’t been in great form recently which further emphasised how exhilarating the game would be.

Slovakia’s starting line-up was slightly surprising since coach Tarkovič decided to place Šatka alongside Škriniar as centrebacks. A lot of people described the squad as experimental but despite Northern Ireland’s high pressing, Slovakia’s defensive line protected the goal solidly. Šatka and his teammates from the defensive line were kept very busy as their opponents were extremely determined to qualify for the tournament. However, Slovakia took advantage of Northern Ireland’s focus on the offence and scored in 17^th minute which only enraged their rival.

In the first few opening minutes of the second half, Slovakia performed offence. However, luckily for Slovakians, their defensive line made only a few errors throughout the whole match. As minutes passed, the two sides became more and more nervous. Slovakia successfully stopped Northern Ireland’s attacks and managed to push their opponent deeper into the defence.

The hosts equalized shortly before the final time. Škriniar’s own goal made the situation very difficult for Slovakia and the referee was forced to extend the match to extra time. The goal was a visible boost of motivation for Northern Ireland and they came very close to scoring a second goal. However, it was Slovakia that found the back of the net again and as a result, they were the ones to qualify for next year’s European Championship.

Northern Ireland - Slovakia 1:2 (0:1, 1:1)

Goals: Kucka (17.), Ďuriš (110.) - Škriniar (87. own goal)

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell - Dallas, Cathcart (99. Flanagan), Evans, Lewis – McGinn (77. Lafferty), Saville (66. Thompson), McNair (104. Ferguson), Davis, Magennis (77. Boyce) - Washington (66. Whyte)

Slovakia: Rodák - Pekarik, Šatka, Škriniar, Hubočan - Rusnák, Kucka, Lobotka (65. Hrošovský), Hamšík (105. Greguš), Mak (65. Ďuriš) – Duda (85. Mráz)