""He is a world-class player," manager Francesco Calzona said of the two-time Slovak Footballer of the Year. "I appreciate his human qualities even more. But I remind you once again that this entire team has character. Everyone will prioritise the whole before themselves, and Lobotka is an example of that.""
""I am happy to lead this team and these players," added Calzona. "They are willing to work and they have quality. Even in those matches that did not go well for us in terms of play or results, they never failed to give their best. "The Northern Irish have a strong team; they are one of the youngest national teams in Europe.""
Slovakia hosts Northern Ireland in Kosice in a penultimate Group A match of 2026 World Cup qualifying, sitting behind Germany on goal difference and three points clear of Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland loss would result in elimination. Stanislav Lobotka returns from injury for Slovakia. Mario Sauer, Ondrej Duda and Adrian Kapralik are unavailable for Slovakia. Northern Ireland face multiple absences and a suspension: first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles is unavailable, midfielder Shea Charles has a hamstring problem, Ali McCann is out with a broken arm, Ethan Galbraith is banned and Brodie Spencer is out; Conor Bradley is mentioned as available. Full starting XIs and substitutes are listed to follow.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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