Luxembourg have picked up 11 points from their seven matches in the section to sit in third position, while Slovakia have 13 points from their seven games, which has left them in second spot. Luxembourg have very much been the surprise package in Group J, and the national team are bidding to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time in their history, so there is a lot on the line.
This is already the team’s best-ever points return in terms of a qualification campaign for a European Championship, having won three, drawn two and lost two of their seven matches to collect 11 points, which has left them in third position in the group.
Slovakia, meanwhile, suffered a 3-2 loss to Portugal in Porto, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a brace and Goncalo Ramos also registering for the home side. Francesco Calzona’s side gave a strong account of themselves but ultimately came up just short against comfortably the best team in the section, and the Falcons now need to refocus as they prepare to travel to Luxembourg for a huge contest on Monday night.
Slovakia remain in control of second position on 13 points, winning four, drawing one and losing two of their seven matches, with both of their defeats coming to Portugal. The Representatives have been present in the finals of the last two European Championships, reaching the round of 16 at Euro 2016 before being eliminated in the group stage at Euro 2020.
Slovakia will have been pleased with their performance against Portugal last time out, and if they can tighten up defensively, Calzona’s side should win here. Luxembourg deserve a lot of respect for their performances in the section, but we are backing an away success.
Slovakia’s last two games in the section are against Iceland (H) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (A) in November, and it will be fascinating to see how this group plays out over the next month.
