Vencel backs Slovakia to emulate 1976 heroes

This may be Slovakia's UEFA EURO finals debut as an independent nation but Alexander Vencel Sr is one of several Slovaks who know what it is like to win this competition.

Reserve goalkeeper behind Ivo Viktor in the Czechoslovakia team that triumphed in 1976, Vencel has been assessing Slovakia's 2016 side who begin their bid against Wales in Bordeaux on Saturday. And he is optimistic.

"Slovakia need just a little spark to get an exceptional result in France," Vencel, now 72, told UEFA.com. "That's what I believe and I would be so pleased if my vision became a reality."

He explained why he has faith. "Because it seems similar to the time when we were preparing for our final tournament. Nobody thought we had a chance, we were not taken seriously, but despite that we were able to surprise everyone and win it."

Vencel, also a European Cup Winners' Cup winner with Slovan Bratislava in 1969, added: "I see some symbiosis in these two cases. There are always some good periods in Slovakian football and now is the time to cause another surprise. I feel it. I would be so happy if my hunch is right."

Preferring to watch the championship at home in Bratislava despite the chance to travel to France, Vencel is prepared to make an exception to his rule of never betting on football by backing Slovakia to survive a group also containing Russia and England. "I am a pensioner now, but I am ready to spend some money betting on our boys. The friendly against Germany [a recent 3-1 away win] showed that this team is ready to do something special. Something is ready to explode, we need just that little spark. I see huge potential in the team around [Marek] Hamšík and [Martin] Škrtel."

Vencel, whose namesake son played in goal for Czechoslovakia and Slovakia as well as in France for Strasbourg and Le Havre, echoes what so many of his countrymen feel in that the opening fixture is key. "If we beat Wales, we would need just one more point to go through. If that happens, we would do the necessary, for sure. I am convinced about that."

However, it would take something for this generation to match the achievement of the squad 40 years ago. "Those were unforgettable times for me," Vencel said. "No generation has eclipsed us."