Day: November 17, 2023

Lukáš Haraslín’s standout performance led Slovakia to secure their spot in the 2024 UEFA European Championship finals with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Iceland at the Tehelné Pole Stadium.

Iceland, aware that only a win in Slovakia could keep their hopes alive for automatic qualification, made an impressive start as Orri Óskarsson headed in Victor Pálsson’s ambitious pass, putting them ahead in the early stages.

However, Slovakia, knowing that avoiding defeat would secure their qualification alongside Group J leaders Portugal, equalized just before the half-hour mark. Juraj Kucka’s powerful header from Lukáš Haraslín’s corner beat the Icelandic goalkeeper and a defender on the goal-line, leveling the score. Moments later, Ondrej Duda converted a penalty awarded via VAR after Kristian Hlynsson’s foul on him, giving Slovakia the lead before halftime.

Slovakia wasted no time in the second half, extending their lead within minutes as Haraslín’s mesmerizing run and strike left Iceland’s defense puzzled. His confidence soaring, Haraslín scored another stunning goal, mirroring his earlier strike, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Iceland managed a consolation goal through substitute Andri Guðjohnsen’s quick finish from a corner. Despite this late effort, Slovakia’s victory sealed their second win against Iceland in the 2024 H2H ECQ clashes, securing their place in the finals. Meanwhile, Iceland now must rely on the playoffs for a chance at securing their spot in only their second-ever UEFA European Championship finals.

Portugal finds themselves on the brink of achieving a flawless 100% record in European Championship qualification for the first time, following a hard-earned 2-0 victory against a determined Liechtenstein team at the Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz.

Facing Konrad Fünfstück’s side, who had endured 21 consecutive losses across all competitions and sat at the 200th spot in the FIFA world rankings, Roberto Martínez’s team expectedly dominated. However, Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper, Benjamin Büchel, showcased their readiness by making a fine save from Rúben Neves’s powerful long-range strike, the only shot on target from the visitors in the opening 20 minutes against a resilient Liechtenstein defense.

Gonçalo Ramos missed a prime opportunity to break the deadlock before the half-hour mark with a point-blank header from João Cancelo’s cross. Later, João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo both had their attempts without success, with Ronaldo seeing a close-range strike hit the post early in the second half. However, he redeemed himself within a minute, netting his 128th senior international goal after a well-weighted pass from Diogo Jota. Cancelo added Portugal’s second in the 57th minute with a precise left-footed strike after Büchel was caught off his line.

Despite a chance for Dennis Salanović to reduce the deficit, Liechtenstein couldn’t capitalize as José Sá thwarted the opportunity. Although Félix and Ramos found the net, both goals were disallowed – Félix’s due to offside and Ramos’s after a VAR review.

The 2-0 scoreline fairly reflected the match, acknowledging Portugal’s occasional lapses and Liechtenstein’s ability to frustrate their more illustrious opponents. Liechtenstein aims to end their 22-match losing streak as they face Luxembourg, striving to avoid a pointless European Championship qualification campaign.