Slovakia 2 Republic of Ireland 2

IRELAND may feel perfectly at home in Bratislava this week given the miserable weather but Slovakia captain Vratislav Gresko is confident the hosts can use the heavy downpours to their advantage.

SLOVAKIA striker Marek Mintal has promised to step into the shoes of captain Robert Vittek for Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

NOBODY in the Burlington Hotel’s Elgin Suite was surprised yesterday when Slovak coach Jan Kocian was asked his opinion on the crisis facing his opposite number.

Vratislav Gresko has warned his Slovakia team-mates to beware the threat of an in-form Damien Duff.

SLOVAKIA have lost two players through suspension for Wednesday’s Group D clash with the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park.

GERMANY face arguably their toughest task yet under Joachim Low when they travel to Slovakia looking to add to their four-match unbeaten run.

JOHN Toshack took it on the chin after Wales slumped to their worst home defeat in 98 years.

Wales 1 Slovakia 5

Nurnberg have reacted to speculation their Germany U21 striker Stefan Kiessling is being monitored by Arsenal and Schalke by offering him a new contract.

Schalke clinched a place in next season’s Champions League while Werder Bremen made the qualifiers as the Bundesliga season came to an end.