Slovakia vs Slovenia

There will be nothing but pride to play for when Slovakia and Slovenia lock horns in their penultimate World Cup qualifying fixture at the City Arena Trnava.

A heartbreaking 2-2 draw away to Croatia last time out made sure Slovakia will miss the third World Cup finals in a row regardless of what happens in the final two qualifying rounds. A return of two wins from their eight Group H fixtures (D4, L2) has proved insufficient for the Slovakians to mount a serious challenge on a top-two finish, while they’ve also failed to provide entertainment to neutral. Indeed, four of their five World Cup qualifying matches since exiting Euro 2020 have featured under 2.5 overall goals, with Slovakia drawing a blank in two of the last four. Relieved of the pressure, the ‘Falcons’ can at least try to shore up large defensive holes that have seen them concede at least once in eight of their nine home internationals since the start of 2020.

Meanwhile, Slovenia can start a rebuilding process of their own as three wins from their eight 2022 World Cup qualifying matches (D1, L4) have not been enough to remain in contention for the play-off spot. One of the main reasons behind Slovenia’s premature elimination is a lack of consistency, with Matjaz Kek’s side alternating between winning (2) and losing (2) across their last four Group H fixtures. Before a 4-0 demolition of Malta in their most recent World Cup qualifying travel, the Slovenians had lost their opening three Group H away games by an aggregate score of 6-1, highlighting their inability to stay up to the task on foreign soil. For those looking for entertainment, you may want to look past Slovenia, whose three international visits to Slovakia in the 21st century have all featured under 2.5 goals.