Slovakia Beat Moldova 2-0 in Weiss's Nations League Return

Slovakia's national football team defeated Moldova 2:0 in Prešov on 26 September, opening the country's Group 3 campaign in the Nations League C-division.¹²³

A slow start, then control

According to Weiss and midfielder Ondrej Duda, Slovakia's opening was weak. Weiss said the team's first twenty minutes were very weak, while Duda said Slovakia entered the match very badly and slept through the first 25 minutes. Moldova created the first chance of the game during this spell, according to s1.¹²

Slovakia took the lead in the 32nd minute, according to s1, when Ivan Schranz headed in from a corner; Moldovan broadcaster TV8 reported that UEFA's official record lists the goal as an own goal by Mihail Gherasimencov, who deflected the header. Eight minutes later Ondrej Duda converted a penalty won after Lukáš Haraslín was fouled, making it 2:0 by half-time, according to s1 and s5.¹⁵

The tempo of the match dropped in the second half, according to s1, with Slovakia controlling proceedings and not allowing Moldova back into the game. Weiss said afterwards that Slovakia confirmed the role of compulsory favourite and won 2:0, and that the team calmed down after the goal, according to s2.¹²

Weiss's changes

Weiss made four changes to his starting lineup, according to s1. He picked Dominik Greif in goal ahead of long-time number one Martin Dúbravka, and used Ivan Schranz on the right side of defence, the first time Schranz had played in defence for the national team. Schranz said the first goal was important and relieved some tension, according to s1.¹

Adrián Kaprálik started on the right wing, making his national-team starting debut in a competitive match, while Tomáš Suslov played in central midfield alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Duda rather than on the wing. Suslov recorded an assist and hit the post, and Weiss praised him: "Suslov bol výborný, pritom nehral niekoľko mesiacov," the coach said. On Kaprálik, Weiss said: "Od Kaprálika som čakal trošku viac." He added that Kaprálik had put in a big effort but still needs to show greater quality, and said he was pleased with how the wide defenders performed, since he had wanted his full-backs pushing higher up the pitch and felt both Kaprálik and Hancko delivered on that. He also said Hancko had a clear opening from a pass that he would typically convert, and that the team struck the post through him as well, concluding that there were encouraging signs even though Slovakia can still perform better.¹

Moldova's response

Moldova coach Lilian Popescu said his team had less possession than he had imagined, and that it is very difficult to play without the ball. He said his players ran and did what was in their power, but it was not enough, according to s2. Popescu also said there was chaos after Moldova conceded and that emotions overwhelmed the team, according to s4.²⁴

Popescu offered his congratulations to Slovakia, saying: "Vreau să felicit echipa adversă cu această victorie," and "Aveți o echipă bună, un antrenor valoros." He acknowledged his team's shortcomings, saying: "Nu cred că avem maturitatea pe care o are echipa Slovaciei," and "cred că ne lipsește încrederea necesară." He said Moldova must recover and play well at home against the Faroe Islands: "Acum este important să ne refacem și să jucăm bine acasă cu Insulele Feroe."⁴

Atmosphere and farewell

The match was played at a filled Tatran Stadium in Prešov, with more than six thousand spectators, according to s1 and s5. Lukáš Haraslín, who was fouled for the penalty, said spectators were fantastic for all 90 minutes and that Slovakia's one goal is promotion to the group. He also said the Moldovans started unexpectedly aggressively and had many corners, according to s2.¹²⁵

Before kickoff, midfielder Patrik Hrošovský said farewell to the national team, receiving a commemorative jersey after almost 12 years and 62 appearances, according to s3. Rigo entered the game in place of Haraslín during the match, according to s3.³

What comes next

Slovakia will continue in the Nations League on Tuesday 29 September by hosting Kazakhstan in Košice, according to s1, s2 and s3. Kazakhstan drew 1-1 with the Faroe Islands in the other Group C3 match, according to s5. Moldova is scheduled to play the Faroe Islands at Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău, with kickoff set for 19:00, according to s5.¹²³⁵