Slovakia Coach Says Turning Off Lewandowski's Movement Is The Key To His Team's Victory

Robert Lewandowski (Twitter @ euro2020)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Slovakian national team Stefan Tarkovic praised the success of his players in turning off the movement of Robert Lewandowski which he said was the key to the 2-1 victory over Poland in the opening match of Group E Euro 2020 at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Monday local time (Sunday WIB).

Lewandowski arrived in this game with a reputation as the Bundesliga's top scorer in a season with 41 goals for Bayern Munich, but Poland forward was kept quiet by the Slovak's tight marking throughout the match.

Lewandowski's only chance appeared two minutes before normal dispersal when he welcomed Jakub Moder's corner, unfortunately, his header was still off target.

After that, Lewandowski provided a rebound for Karol Swiderski, unfortunately, the substitute's shot was saved by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

"We have prepared a plan to shut down Lewandowski's movement and the good news is that we were able to do it," Tarkovic said.

Tarkovic also specifically cited the fine performances of winger Lukas Haraslin and center-back Milan Skriniar who scored Slovakia's winner.

"We have analyzed the Polish style of play in detail and they often attack from the left, but Lukas Haraslin gave a brilliant performance to quell it all," he said.

"Milan Skriniar also performed very, very well in attack and defense," Tarkovic added.

Tarkovic's side took the lead through goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's own goal which missed Robert Mak's shot but the lead was lost in the first minute of the second half thanks to Karol Linetty's goal.

Grzegorz Krychowiak's second yellow card in the 62nd minute reversed the momentum of the game and Slovakia took advantage of an 11-to-10 situation to restore their lead seven minutes later through Skriniar's goal.

"We had anticipated the game would go like this. The first half we played was extraordinary," said Tarkovic.

"We were caught off guard at the start of the second half, but then scored again and defended in the last minute."

Slovakia will next play in Saint Petersburg against Sweden for their second Group E match on Friday, 18 June.