Slovakia opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Moldova in Presov on Saturday.
The hosts took control from the outset and secured both goals before half-time, with Moldova unable to produce enough attacking threat to mount a comeback after the interval.
Slovakia dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the encounter.
They enjoyed 67 per cent of the ball, registered 18 shots to Moldova’s eight and recorded 1.78 expected goals compared to their opponents’ 0.41.
Ivan Schranz broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute after meeting Tomáš Suslov’s delivery from a short corner with a firm header.
The goal gave the hosts the reward for their sustained pressure.
Slovakia doubled their advantage eight minutes later after Lukáš Haraslín was brought down inside the penalty area.
Ondrej Duda stepped up and calmly sent the resulting spot-kick into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.
Moldova improved after the restart and created some opportunities through crosses and quick attacks, but Slovakia remained in control.
Oleg Reabciuk provided a consistent outlet from the flank and created one of Moldova’s better chances, while goalkeeper Dominik Greif was called upon to make one notable save.
Slovakia continued to manage the game effectively in the closing stages, making several substitutions to maintain their structure and possession as they secured three points in their opening Group 3 fixture.
Schranz was one of the standout performers, scoring with his only shot on target before being replaced after 63 minutes.
Stanislav Lobotka also impressed in midfield, completing 81 of his 90 passes and creating four chances.
The victory gives Slovakia an ideal start to their Nations League campaign, while Moldova will look to improve their attacking output in their next Group 3 fixture.
