Marek Rodák was the hero for Slovakia in their penalty shoot-out victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
After a goalless 120 minutes, Rodák denied Preston North End’s Alan Browne from 12 yards before Matt Doherty smashed his kick against the crossbar to send Slovakia through to the European Championship Play-Off Final.
Rodák had already made a good save from Browne in normal time to maintain his clean sheet, and his performance won praise from national broadsheet SME, who rated him a game high 9/10, and his coach.
“A big stone fell from my heart,” Pavel Hapal said. “I've had experience with two penalty shootouts before and lost both. Our goalkeeper was great, concentrated. He played well also in Israel last month.”
“We advanced, which is wonderful. But it is just the first half. I am glad that I have got a chance. I don't feel like a hero, but I am happy we won.”
Marek Rodák
Slovakia will now meet Northern Ireland on Thursday 12th November for a place at next summer’s Euros.
Serbia and Aleksandar Mitrović also progressed to their Play-Off Final, defeating Stefan Johansen’s Norway 2-1 after extra-time to set up a meeting with Scotland in a month’s time.
Johansen began the game as captain but had been replaced by the time Mitro set up the opening goal in the 82nd minute. Holding off his marker to get on the end of a deep free-kick, the big man squared the ball for Sergej Milinković-Savić to tap in.
And after Mathias Normann had forced extra-time, Mitrović was again key in restoring Serbia’s advantage, leading a breakaway which culminated in a sublime chip from Milinković-Savić.
