England and Wales fans have been quick to write off group stage opponents Slovakia, but perhaps they’ve spoken too soon.
The minnows of group B are ranked 32nd in the world, behind opponents England (10th), Wales (24th) and Russia (27th), and are expected to struggle to make the knockout stages.
But those dismissing their chances haven’t counted on one man – Marek Hamsik.
The Napoli star is closing in on 100 goals for the Serie A club, and scored five times in qualifying as Slovakia made their first ever European Championships.
And he’s not stopped there, firing home a sensational goal for his country in a pre-tournament friendly against World Champions Germany.
.@England and @FAWales beware, Slovakia's Marek HamÅ¡Ãk has just scored this stunner against the world champions. https://t.co/5UwGo0TT13
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 29, 2016
Hamsik was just 22 when he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup, and will hope to make even more of an impression at his second major international tournament.
With Milan’s Juraj Kucka and former Chelsea man Miroslav Stoch joining him in Slovakia’s midfield, Jan Kozak’s team might not be the whipping-boys so many have suggested.
Hamsik’s stunner pulled them level against Germany before a Michal Duris strike gave the visitors a half-time lead in Augsburg, suggesting they won’t be overawed by the tough opposition in France this summer.
Slovakia begin their tournament against Wales on June 11, before facing Russia on the 15th of the month and closing out their group campaign against England in Saint-Etienne.
