Slovakia stars vow to make it hot for Ireland and ‘attack, attack, attack’

IT is a sign of how the gap between Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland has closed over the years that the hosts for tomorrow’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Bratislava will probably have more players in Champions League action this season than Steve Staunton’s side.

The withdrawal of Steve Finnan has left the Irish with Aiden McGeady and United squad members John O’Shea and Darron Gibson in Europe’s premier competition. Slovakia also have three players qualified for the group stages, a trio that are guaranteed to play against English opposition in the next few weeks: Porto midfielder Marek Cech (who will face Liverpool), Rosenborg playmaker Marek Sapara (drawn to face Chelsea) and Slavia Prague defender Matej Krajcik (up against Arsenal).

All three came through training last evening and said spirits were high in their camp. “I know all about Robbie Keane and I have played against John O’Shea when Porto played against Man Utd in Europe a few years ago,” said Cech.

“I started the match in Dublin on the bench and it was an even game. They scored early on and that was the only difference between the sides. I think we are good enough to beat the Irish at home, though — we need to play calmly, keep possession of the ball, and take any chance we can to shoot from distance.”

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given is set for his first game of the season — and a record 81st appearance — and that has obviously been noted by Slovakia coach Jan Kocian, who has shown his players a tape of Ireland’s 4-0 win over Denmark last month.

“We watched that game and it proved how good they are,” said midfield maestro Marek Sapara. “We have to be prepared for them to keep running for 90 minutes. I don’t know how well they will play, but they will never stop putting in a major effort. We can play nice football and string some good passes in midfield, but this is the time for us to be decisive up front. We have to be effective in their box. We have been told by the boss to attack, attack, attack, and that’s what we’ll do.”

Krajcik said that the team are getting closer to pulling off a big result after some encouraging performances in recent matches, when they lost narrowly to France (1-0) and Germany (2-1).

“This is the time for the results to come,” said the Slavia right-back.

“I don’t think there will be that many goals in the game. We know the Irish players have lots of quality and I expect a tough game. Our ability to transfer the ball from defence to attack is fine, but our work in the final phase is not good, and that’s a worry. This is the chance for us to prove ourselves.”

The whole squad came through training on unscathed, leaving team doctor Vladimir Pener joking: “I have nothing to do here.”