We can top our group, says Kozak
SLOVAKIA boss Jan Kozak insists he’s not worried about Scotland catching them because he’s convinced they can win the group.
The Slovaks took a giant step to Russia by grabbing a late win against Slovenia and will top Scotland’s Group if they beat England at Wembley tomorrow.
Scotland need to beat Malta, hope England beat Slovakia and then defeat them next month at Hampden to take it to a last game shoot-out, with the Scots away in Slovenia and Slovakia at home to the Maltese.
However, Kozak insists he hasn’t given the Scots a thought and is only concentrating on trying to qualify automatically.
He said: “That was a huge win for us. I thought we played superbly in the first half particularly, but had nothing to show for it.
“There was always the danger Slovenia could score on the counter-attack, so the late goal was a relief.
“Remember, we won despite being without our first choice defensive partnership of Martin Skrtel and Jan Durica. But their replacements – Milan Skriniar and Norbert Gyober – were excellent.
“Every qualifier is important, but especially at this stage. With Scotland winning in Lithuania, it was even more important to get the win. But it’s not about them, it’s in our hands.
“Now we go to England and, of course, it will be difficult at Wembley.
“But we have a great incentive to win the match because we would go top if we win. And, with this group of players, that’s what we are aiming for.”