Slovakia seek new Germany shock in Euro 2016

Lille (France) (AFP) – Slovakia are looking for a second upset in weeks over world champions Germany in their Euro 2016 clash on Sunday, defender Peter Pekarik said. 

Jan Kozak’s side are the outsiders going into the game in Lille but they beat Germany 3-1 in a warm-up friendly ahead of the Euros in Augsburg on May 29. 

“The result we got in the friendly was fantastic for us. It was a great boost for confidence and a boost in terms of motivation,” said Pekarik at a press conference on Saturday. 

“To play them twice in the space of a few weeks is a great challenge but we’ll do our best to cause another upset.

“If we put heart and determination into it I believe we have a great chance to cause them some trouble,” added Pekarik, who plays for Hertha Berlin in Germany.

However, Slovakia coach Kozak cautioned that not too much should be read into the game four weeks ago as the German line-up that day featured several players who will not start at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. 

“I suppose six or seven players who played in that game will not play tomorrow (Sunday), but it’s more of an advantage for the Germans than it is for us,” said Kozak, whose side progressed from Group B as one of the best third-placed teams in their first appearance at a European Championship finals. 

“I think Germany are the best tournament side and they have proved that in the past as well. 

“They can produce their best form in tournaments and I think for them the tournament really starts tomorrow.”

Slovakia are set to be without left-back Dusan Svento due to injury but Pekarik will play despite being left with a bloody nose in the goalless draw with England last Monday that saw them qualify.

The winners of Sunday’s game will go on to a quarter-final in Bordeaux next weekend against Italy or reigning European champions Spain.