Slovakia became the champion of the EMF Nations Games after a penalty shootout drama.

After the Slovak representatives defeated Israel, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria in the basic group, they advanced to the finals of the EMF Nations Games in Galanta. The Bulgarian team was waiting for them there.

Our representatives entered the final match actively. Hudec had the first good chance to score, but his attempt narrowly missed the goal. In the 7th minute, the Bulgarians had a chance to open the score, but Feriančik guarded the lobbed ball and pushed it over the crossbar. A minute later, we already witnessed the opening final goal. To the joy of many fans, our team scored it. Forward Adam Bombicz entered the scoring list. A minute later, it could have been even more cheerful, when Mikluš had a goal on his boot. However, his attempt did not end in the net. In the 10th minute, Kružlík rushed to the goal, but he could not shoot past the Bulgarian goalkeeper. Slovakia played very actively in the first act and created a large number of scoring opportunities. In the 20th minute, the experienced Beliš had the opportunity to increase our lead, but his attempt was eliminated by the goalkeeper. After the first half, we led 1:0.

At the beginning of the second half, the Bulgarians had a great chance to equalize. However, Pell, who replaced Feriančik in the goal from the second half, made a brilliant goalkeeper save. In the 33rd minute, Bombicz could have increased our lead, but he only hit the ball into the goalkeeper. In the 35th minute, Hudec missed from close range, so our lead was still only one goal 15 minutes before the end of regular playing time. With increasing time, the Bulgarians tried to put more and more pressure on our half, in an attempt to equalize the score. However, our defense worked well. The score of 1:0 for our national team was valid until the 49th minute. But then the Bulgarians managed to equalize when Petrov scored a goal. In the last minute, nothing serious happened, so the match ended in a 1:1 draw in regular time.

The winner of the EMF Nations Games 2024 had to be decided by penalty kicks. In the first series, the shooters on both sides were successful, captain Repa converted the attempt for Slovakia. In the second series, Hudec first converted his attempt on the side of Slovakia and then goalkeeper Pella flashed, who caught the Bulgarian executor. Everything was decided in the third series, in which Bombicz put the ball on the white spot. He sovereignly converted his attempt and thus secured a triumph for our national team.

 

Slovakia – Bulgaria 2:1ppk (1:0)
Goals: 8. Bombicz – 49. Petrov

Adam Bombicz (player of Slovakia): "We complicated the match ourselves, because we had many opportunities that we did not convert. In the end, however, we pleased all the spectators and after the penalty drama we won. It is a great achievement for us to win the EMF Nations Games, because we have not managed to do it so far. However, we still have to work hard to play the best possible result at the upcoming EMF EURO."

 

 

Peter Bárnišin (coach of the national team): "We entered the finals very well. I think that by the 15th-20th minute it should have been decided and it didn't have to come to the drama that came at the end. If we had converted our chances in the first act, the game would have been over. In terms of results, I evaluate the whole tournament positively. We still need to fine-tune a few things in terms of play. The first place was pleasing. The EMF Nations Games served its purpose. We faced quality opponents, a lot of fans came and the first place is just the icing on the cake."

In the bronze medal match, Israel met the Czech Republic. The match resulted in a 3-1 victory for our northwestern neighbors.

Final team standings
1. Slovakia
2. Bulgaria
3. Czech Republic
4. Israel

Award-winning players
Best goalkeeper: Erik Feriančik (Slovakia)
Top scorer: Jozef Stránsky (3 goals)
Best player: Dobrin Petrov (Bulgaria)