Slovakia are resurgent under Jan Kozak, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 system with Marek Hamsik in a free role. Beat Spain in qualifying to finish ahead of Ukraine in their group. STRENGTHS Marek Hamsik had not played as well for Slovakia as he had for Napoli before Kozak took over, but now he makes the national side tick with his tireless running and ability to create and score goals.

There was a rather incredible miss chances occurred during the game between Slovakia against Lithuania on their World Cup 2014 qualifying round not long ago as midfielder Juraj Kucka nodded a lovely headed cross beyond the bar despite being unmarked and only just inch away from his opponent's goal.