Slovakia v Republic of Ireland
1
A brave new Irish world?
New Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kelly has sparked a national wave of optimism with talk of a more progressive style of play, ditching the more direct style of his predecessors. The former Dundalk boss impressed in two years in charge of the Under-21s, winning seven out of 12 matches with more positive football, but old habits die hard – his first game with the seniors was a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria, thanks to 90th-minute equaliser from centre-back Shane Duffy.
2 Skriniar v McGoldrick
One of the tie’s key match-ups will be between Slovakia’s Milan Skriniar – the Internazionale 25-year-old rated as one of the best defenders in Europe – and Ireland striker David McGoldrick. The Sheffield United forward, recently voted FAI Player of the Year, may not be a prolific goalscorer, but his excellent link-up play, industry and mobility makes him vital for club and country. When he drops deep, Skriniar faces a dilemma – does he stick or follow?
3 Hamsik’s final curtain?
Should defeat ensue, this play-off might well be the last chance to savour legendary Slovakia midfielder Marek Hamsik on the big stage. His drive, creative swagger and goals are the team’s lifeblood and, at the age off 33, he must be approaching the end of his international career. Now starring for Dalian Professional in China after a glorious decade with Napoli, he will see Euro 2020 as the ideal terminus of a stellar career.
4 The 50-50 call
These two sides could hardly be more evenly matched. They are adjacent in the current FIFA rankings, with Slovakia in 36th and the Republic 37th, while their head-to-head record is almost symmetrical, with four of their five encounters ending in draws. The form book is no more revealing: in their last five games, both teams have each picked up two draws, two defeats, and one win. Extra time and penalties seem highly likely.
5 A tale of three keepers
As a result of Newcastle No.1 Martin Dubravka breaking an ankle in preseason, Slovakia may be forced to call up young Fulham keeper Marek Rodak, who was uncapped at senior level prior to his debut against Israel in September. Stephen Kelly’s side will aim to expose this international rawness, yet their own No.1, Darren Randolph, has an entirely different problem: although a regular for his country, he is only a back-up for his club West Ham behind Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.