Slovakia set for key qualifiers
Monday, May 26, 2003
Article summary
Ladislav Jurkemik has named a 20-man squad for the UEFA EURO 2004™ matches against Turkey and England.
Article body
Five out
Jurkemik has left out goalkeeper Juraj Bucek, defenders Branislav Labant and Radoslav Zabavník, and forwards Henrich Bencík and Jozef Kožlej for the matches which are crucial to Slovakia's qualifying hopes.
Third place
The Slovaks are currently third in Group 7, four points behind leaders England and three adrift of Turkey. After facing Turkey at home on 7 June, they visit England four days later.
'Victory essential'
Jurkemik, who has included 17 foreign-based players in his squad, said: "Only a victory against Turkey will keep our chances alive. If we can win in Bratislava, the game in Middlesbrough becomes interesting."
Slovakia squad
König, Rzeszoto, Petráš, Klimpl, Hlinka, Debnár, Zeman, Hanek, Leitner, Karhan, Michalík, Labant, Kisel, Mintál, Janocko, Demo, Németh, Vittek, Oravec, Reiter.