Scotland started their UEFA Nations League campaign in style collecting four points from six possible. Now, Steve Clarke’s team turn their attention to Slovakia on matchday 3.
Slovakia did not start the UEFA Nations League campaign well. They collected a mere one point from six possible. Their one point came from a 1-1 away draw to Israel.
Let's Do This.#SCOISR pic.twitter.com/A94SWuvX3Q— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 8, 2020
Let's Do This.#SCOISR pic.twitter.com/A94SWuvX3Q
Michal Duris’s first-half goal gave the team the lead, but Israel tallied a second-half stoppage-time equaliser to gain a point.
Their matchday 1 game ended in a loss to the Czech Republic, 3-1. Slovakia were down 3-0 by the 88th minute when they finally got on the scoresheet courtesy of Ivan Schranz.
Clarke’s Scots drew 1-1 at home versus Israel thanks to a first-half penalty from Ryan Christie. They too gave up a second-half goal to the Israelis to end in a draw.
Scotland then won 2-1 away to the Czech Republic. After conceding a first-half goal, Scotland scored twice thanks to Lyndon Dykes and another penalty from Ryan Christie.
Dykes is a player to watch out for. The 25-year-old made his Scotland debut in September. After beginning the 2020-21 season playing for Scotland’s Livingston, he signed for Queens Park Rangers and has carried on scoring goals. Dykes has two goals in four league games for the Hoops.
Scotland and Slovakia have played twice in their histories. Those games were played in 2016 and 2017 in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Slovakia claimed a 3-0 win at home and Scotland won 1-0 in the reverse fixture in Glasgow.
The Scots were promoted from League C in 2018 and will fancy their chances of continuing solid play in the UEFA Nations League. Clarke’s team will feel confident of gaining a win at home in a low-scoring affair.
Slovakia’s defence have conceded four goals over the course of 180 minutes of UEFA Nations League football. They don’t have the attacking options to cut through the Scots in Glasgow.
It should be noted that both teams will play on Thursday night in the Euro 2020 playoffs. Scotland face off with UEFA League of Nations opponent Israel in Glasgow. Slovakia play Ireland at home before making the trip to Scotland for the weekend.
Scotland are in good form in the UEFA Nations League. Their form should carry over on Sunday with a narrow win at home versus Slovakia. Expect under 2.5 goals scored as Scotland pick up three more points.