BRNO, Czech Republic—Before Slovakia and the Czech Republic were split in 1993, they played under one common flag as Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia finished as runner-up in two World Cups. In Italy in 1934, the hosts defeated Czechoslovakia 2–1 during extra time. In 1962, Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3–1.

And now, it is the first in Slovakia’s modern history that they have qualified for the World Cup. Their journey to South Africa started on Sept. 6, 2008, in the third European qualification group where they defeated Northern Ireland 2–1. Other nations competing in this group were Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and San Marino.

In 10 matches Slovakia won 7, lost 2, and drew 1. The impressive total of 22 points put them at the top of their group and automatically qualified them for the World Cup.

The secret of the qualification success is the coach’s authority and experience, combined with a young and talented team.

Since Vladimir Weiss, 45, became coach of the national team in 2008, the Slovaks climbed from No. 67 in the FIFA rankings to No. 33 in March. Before national team coaching, he was the coach of Slovak club FC Artmedia (Bratislava) Petrzalka. He won two Slovak Master titles in 2004–05 and 2007–08, also getting his team into the UEFA Champions League main group stage.

The Team

Goalkeeper Jan Mucha has been in goal for the last 13 matches for Slovakia. From 2005–2010, he played for Legia Warsaw and at the beginning of this year he signed a contract with Everton of the English Premier League.

All Slovak defenders play in well-known European clubs. Most notable is Martin Skrtel who has been playing with Liverpool since 2008. He has played 34 matches for the national team.

The captain of the national team is 22-year-old Marek Hamsik. He is in his third year with Napoli in Italy and is attracting a lot of interest from other big European teams. He has played 29 matches for Slovakia scoring eight goals.

The Slovak goal machine is 27-year-old Stanislav Sestak, who plays for German club VfL Bochum. With the national team, he has only scored eight times, so his motivation will be high in South Africa. He shone in the qualification match between Poland and Slovakia. In the match, he scored goals in the 85th and 86th minute and Slovakia won 2–1.

Expectations

Two years ago, not many people expected Slovakia to qualify for the World Cup. But coach Weiss knows how to motivate his players and he also requires discipline, self-confidence, and hard work from his team.

“The atmosphere in team changed after Weiss’s arrival. We really enjoy each match and we are prepared to fight for our country till the end,” said Skrtel.

Weiss believes the Slovak team is not an outsider and is able to pull off the surprise. “We analyzed all our opponents. The first match will be hardest and all my energy is going into that. If we win, we will have a big chance to get to the best 16,” said Weiss.

“We will go from match to match and at this moment the first match [New Zealand] is most important for us. Finally, we will see at the championship if our qualities are able to defeat Paraguay, and if we can play at the same level as Italy,” said the coach.

Players have a healthy self-confidence and Skrtel says, “I believe in our team spirit. I’m confident our team will play well and we can astonish at this tournament.”

“To play for your country is the highest honor you can experience in football [soccer],” said Hamsik. “We will do our best in each match of the Cup.”

Preparation will start at the middle of May after the European season wraps up.

On May 29, the Slovaks will play a friendly match against Cameroon in Klagenfurt, Austria and the week after they will play at home in Bratislava against Costa Rica.

It all leads up to their first World Cup match against New Zealand June 15.

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