Slovakians strengthen their case

By Margus Luik

Slovakia joined second-placed Russia on nine points in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 3 thanks to a useful win in Estonia.

Lietava heads in
In the wet conditions, Estonia began brightly but it was Slovakia who opened the scoring after 25 minutes when the 1.91m-tall Lietava, who has been in fine form in attack for FK AS Trencín this season, was first to the ball from a corner.

Victory sealed
Vladimir Voskoboinikov then went close for Estonia as they pushed to equalise before the break. They could not manage a goal, though, and in the second half it was Slovakia who dominated, forcing Estonia goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu to make a number of great saves. But even he was beaten three minutes from time again after a corner, when defender Roman Konecny headed in.

Tuesday encounter
Following this game, the only game in the pool today, Slovakia are now only behind Russia on head-to-head record and three points adrift of Portugal in the race for the two play-off places. Slovakia welcome the leaders, who have won all their four games, to Senec on Tuesday while fourth-placed Estonia, yet to score or win in the group, play Russia the following day.