Slovakia make perfect start

Slovakia made an impressive start to the FIFA World Youth Championship by with a comprehensive 4-1 victory in the opening game against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf in class
It promises to be an exciting competition with several of the world's leading young players taking part, and the opening game did not disappoint as the strength of the European challenge was clear for all to see.

Fine finish
The Slovakians took just five minutes to go infront and it was a lead they were not going to relinquish. Defender Miloš Brezinský got it, beating Ismail Rabee with a fine finish. It was 2-0 and with 23 minutes played, AŠK Inter Bratislava striker Juraj Halenár converting as the hosts' defensive vulnerability was exposed.

Killer blow
Three minutes after half-time Slovakia delivered the killer blow when 20-year-old defender Marek Cech made it 3-0, and the European side took their foot off the pedal with the game wrapped up. The UAE did give their fans something to cheer about with 18 minutes remaining when Ali al-Wehaibi beat Peter Kostoláni to reduce the deficit.

Final flourish
But the attack-minded Slovakians - who were prompted from midfield by inspirational captain Marian Kurty - made sure it was just a consolation and not a route back into the match when 19-year-old substitute Filip Hološko scored the fourth with nine minutes left.

Friday fixtures
Burkina Faso play Panama tomorrow in the next Group A match, with Slovakia meeting the Central Americans on 1 December. Friday also sees Spain begin their Group B campaign against Argentina, with Uzbekistan also playing Mali, and the Czech Republic meeting Australia in Group C as Brazil take on Canada. England, the Republic of Ireland and Germany enter the tournament on Saturday.