Šimonek seals Slovakia win in Kazakhstan
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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Kazakhstan 0-1 Slovakia
Arnold Šimonek's goal 15 minutes from time was the difference between the two sides as Slovakia maintained their perfect start in Group 9.
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Slovakia made it two wins out of two in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 9 thanks to Arnold Šimonek's goal 15 minutes from time against winless Kazakhstan in Almaty.
A 2-0 defeat of Latvia in June had got Slovakia's campaign off to a good start, but they were facing a team that had twice drawn with Romania, including here in Almaty on Friday. But Šimonek ensured Kazakhstan's unbeaten start ended in an even game.
After a tight first half, the game opened after the break, with Kazakstan striker Sergey Lisenkov denied in a one-on-one chance with Pavol Bajza. The visitors were quick to respond as 1. FC Nürnberg midfielder Róbert Mak raced down the flank and crossed for Šimonek to strike from close range.
Kazakhstan had a chance to draw their third match in a row but Yeldos Akhmetov shot agonisingly wide after a corner. Kazakhstan return to action against France on 7 October, four days before Slovakia visit Latvia.
