European Championship battles have begun for Group B teams. In the first match, held in the city of Bordeaux, Wales and Slovakia footballers clashed. It was a very intense match.
Starting lineups:
Wales: D. Ward, C. Gunter, N. Taylor, B. Davies, J. Chester, A. Williams, J. Allen, A. Ramsey (88' J. Richards), G. Bale, D. Edwards (69' J. Ledley), J. Williams (71' H. Robson-Kanu).
Slovakia: M. Kozacik, P. Pekarik, M. Skrtel, J. Durica, V. Weiss (83' M. Stoch), P. Hrosovsky (60' O. Duda), M. Hamsik, D. Svento, J. Kucka, R. Mak, M. Duris (59' A. Nemec).
The first half started vigorously and action was not long awaited. The more experienced Slovaks immediately pressed their opponents, and Marek Hamsik almost broke through the entire opponent's defense in the third minute and sent the ball towards empty net. However, this time Ben Davies saved the day.
The Slovak team continued to play more actively, but after Jonathan Williams earned a penalty, the first goal was scored. Gareth Bale managed to outsmart the opponents' goalkeeper with a clever shot.
The Welsh footballers attempted a few dangerous attacks, but later withdrew into defense, trying to protect their lead and look for opportunities on the counterattack.
Marek Hamsik was particularly noticeable for Slovakia.
The second half started more actively, but the first dangerous attack was created by Robert Mak shooting over the crossbar. Just a few minutes later Bale had a chance to score with his head, but goalkeeper Matus Kozacik played well in that episode.
After playing for just over an hour, Slovakia managed to equalize - shortly after substitute Ondrej Duda entered the field, he unleashed a great shot low into the net, leaving Danny Ward no chance. The equalized result lifted his team and they were close to taking the lead.
However, Slovakia did not have much success in converting chances, and after Aaron Ramsey's break and a decisive pass to Hal Robson-Kanu, hopes were shattered. To make matters worse, substitute Adam Nemec then hit the post.
Very rare participants of championships can rejoice in their first victory and calmly await the outcome of the encounter between England and Russia.
Result:
Wales 2 - 1 Slovakia
[1-0] 10' Gareth Bale
[1-1] 61' Ondrej Duda
[2-1] 81' Hal Robson-Kanu
Best player of the match - Joe Allen:
#WAL midfielder Joe Allen is the @carlsberg Man of the Match. #EURO2016 #WALSVK pic.twitter.com/ht7QcZBUrv — UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 11, 2016
