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European Championship | Qualifiers
Oct 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
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2-1

Kucka (17'), Stoch (87')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Alcacer (82')

Player Ratings: Slovakia 2-1 Spain

:Headline: Player Ratings: Slovakia 2-1 Spain: ID:181619: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed in Slovakia's shock Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Spain this evening.

Miroslav Stoch headed a late winner as Slovakia beat Spain 2-1 in their Euro 2016 qualifier this evening.

Juraj Kucka opened the scoring for the home side, with his long-range free kick finding a way past Iker Casillas.

Paco Alcacer levelled after 82 minutes for La Roja, but Stoch's late effort won it for the hosts.

The defeat for Spain was their first in 37 qualification matches.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how each individual player fared during the Group C clash.


SLOVAKIA

Goal

Matus Kozacik: Will probably never have a better night on a football pitch. Made save after save to keep out the away side, including a sensational double stop to deny Diego Costa and Sergio Busquets in the second period. It was a man-of-the-match performance. (9/10)

Defence

Peter Pekarik: Offered his team a threat in the wide positions, with his boundless energy a real asset. He was also strong defensively in what was an impressive all-round performance from the full-back. (7/10)

Martin Skrtel: A real captain's performance. Put his head on absolutely everything as he won the physical battle with Costa. He also made block after block as Spain increased the pressure in the second period. (8/10)

Jan Durica: Contributed to his side's impressive rearguard with a solid display. Like Skrtel, he was strong aerially and also knew when it was the correct time to clear his lines. (7/10)

Norbert Gyomber: Booked late on for an altercation with Costa, but that was the only real blot on his performance. Not much of a threat in an attacking sense, but did his defensive job brilliantly throughout the contest. (7/10)

Midfield

Vladimir Weiss: Caused Spain all sorts of problems in the first period with his pace and direct running, but was sacrificed in the early stages of the second period as the home side looked for more control. (7/10)

Tomas Hubocan: Was one of two Slovakians to pick up a booking in what was a feisty first period and the midfielder was one of those prepared to put himself about in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Viktor Pecovsky: Wasn't as involved in an attacking sense as a number of his teammates, but performed a steady job in the middle of the park. Always neat and tidy in possession and always on hand to break up attacks. (7/10)

Juraj Kucka: Scored the opener with a powerful free kick, although Spain goalkeeper Casillas should probably have kept it out. Remained a threat until departing with 83 minutes on the clock. (7/10)

Attack

Robert Mak: Brought a fine save from Casillas in the first period, but that was his only serious involvement in an attacking sense. Dropped into a midfield position in the second period to help out defensively. (7/10)

Marek Hamsik: Was better in the first period than he was in the second, but remained a threat for his team throughout the contest. Put in some brilliant crosses during the first 45 minutes. (7/10)

Substitutes

Michal Duris: Made a major contribution late on, with the striker setting up Stoch with a fine cross for the winner. (7/10)

Miroslav Stoch: Immediately looked a threat after entering just past the hour mark and capped his terrific cameo with the winner after 87 minutes. Has surely played his way into the starting XI for their next match. (8/10)

Filip Kiss: Replaced Kucka with seven minutes remaining and therefore had little time to make an impact. (6/10)


SPAIN

Goal

Iker Casillas: Went from hero to zero in the first period, first denying Mak with a brilliant stop, before letting a Kucka free kick slip through his grasp. Not the best of nights for the Real Madrid stopper, whose place is under serious pressure. (6/10)

Defence

Juanfran: Created a number of half-chances for his side with his dangerous crossing from wide areas, but was slightly untidy in possession of the ball. Looks more comfortable in the Atletico Madrid back four. (6/10)

Raul Albiol: Had little to do throughout the contest and was withdrawn just before the hour mark as Spain boss Vicente del Bosque put on Pedro in an attempt to open up a stern Slovakian defence. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Was comfortable for long spells of the match, but did not look fully fit when faced up by the home team. Was found lacking pace during the build-up to Slovakia's second of the match. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Easily the best of his side's back four this evening. Always looked a threat in the final third, with his pace and ability on the ball causing problems to the Slovakian defence. Also set up Alcacer for his goal with a great pass. (7/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Kept things neat and tidy in the middle of the park, but could not drive his team from a deep position. Should have scored in the latter stages of the first period, but found Slovakian goalkeeper Kozacik in fine form. (6/10)

Koke: Decent enough in possession of the ball, but never threatened to make an impact in the final third. Was so deep in the second half despite Spain's dominance. (6/10)

Cesc Fabregas: Did his best to make things happen in the final third, but could not find Chelsea teammate Costa with a number of high balls. Could not influence the match in the same way that he has managed to for his club this season. (6/10)

Attack

David Silva: Drifted in and out of the contest as he struggled to find that elusive pass in the final third. Was replaced by Alcacer after 71 minutes as the away side went with two strikers. (6/10)

Diego Costa: Should have opened his international tally this evening after finding himself in a number of good positions, but could not break his duck. Was booked late on as his frustrations got the better of him. (6/10)

Andres Iniesta: Was given the task of performing in a wide area, but was never really in the match. Like a number of his teammates, could not find a decisive pass despite enjoying plenty of possession. (6/10)

Substitutes

Pedro: Hasn't really hit the ground running for Barcelona this season and continued that frustrating form this evening. Was sloppy in possession during his 30 minutes on the field. (5/10)

Paco Alcacer: Looked to have earned his side a point with a brilliant finish after 82 minutes, but it wasn't to be. On a personal level, the striker continued his impressive start to his international career. (7/10)

Santi Cazorla: Appeared to be playing at right-back after entering late on and was partly at fault for Slovakia's winner. Will not thank his manager for being thrown on in a defensive position. (5/10)


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