Slovakia win finally ends Ireland’s slim hopes of Euro qualification

Lukas Haraslin of Slovakia celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Slovakia and Iceland

Lukas Haraslin of Slovakia celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Slovakia and Iceland Credit: Photo by Christian Hofer - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Slovakia’s 4-2 home win over Iceland on Thursday night that secured them qualification for the Euros has finally extinguished Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for EURO 2024.

Iceland did take the lead through Orri Oskarsson at the Slovakian National Stadium but the home side went 4-1 up thanks to Lukas Haraslin grabbing two goals along with strikes from Juraj Kucka and Ondrej Duda.

Andri Gudjohnesen scored a consolation for the visitors.

The result meant Slovakia finished runners up in their group behind Portugal to book their place in next summer’s European Championship.

As Ireland needed Iceland to win to have any chance of the Boys in Green getting a play-off through the UEFA Nations League, Slovakia’s win meant curtains for Stephen Kenny’s qualification hopes.

 

 

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile