Estonia vs Slovakia

Estonia’s UEFA Nations League Group C/1 gets underway at A. Le Coq Arena as they seek their first win against Slovakia after losing both previous H2Hs.

Despite missing out on Euro 2024 and, in turn, upholding a negative trend of failing to qualify for major tournaments as an independent nation, Estonia had a successful summer, winning the Baltic Cup for the fifth time in their history. It was the best way for Jurgen Henn to begin his managerial tenure after being promoted to the role from the position of assistant manager. Henn’s next assignment is to protect Estonia’s League C status after they topped Group D/2 to earn promotion to the higher division last term. However, this hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Baltic minnows by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, they’ve only won one of their 14 previous outings in League C (D5, L8).

In the meantime, Slovakia head to Tallinn in search of some solace after frustratingly losing to England in extra time of their Euro 2024 last-16 tie, having conceded an equalizer in the 95th minute. Manager Francesco Calzona doesn’t have fond memories of the Nations League, considering his managerial stint at Slovakia started with back-to-back winless games in this competition in the autumn of 2022 (D1, L1). The Falcons ended that campaign in third with only two victories from six matches (D1, L3), adding to their fans’ trepidation ahead of this trip. However, the Slovakians have since gone from strength to strength, suffering just four defeats in 20 internationals across 90 minutes (W10, D6), not to mention winning seven of their ten Euro 2024 qualifiers on their road to the final tournament (D1, L2).