Marek Hamsik said the 3-1 victory over Malta on Sunday was central to Slovakia’s chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.
The Slovaks had no margin of error at the National Stadium to maintain their hopes of finishing in second place in Group F behind England who continued to lead the way after a 2-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley.
Wladimir Weiss’s second-minute opener gave Slovakia the start they craved for but poor defending from Milan Skriniar saw Jean Paul Farrugia drawing the two teams level.
But Jan Kozak’s men never lost tactical shape and focus.
Before half-time Jan Gregus had given the visitors the lead with a shot from outside the box before Adam Nemec sealed victory late on for three precious points that lifted Slovakia to the runners-up spot, a point ahead of Slovenia and two clear of Scotland in what promises to be a tight three-horse race for a play-off berth.
“This was a crucial win for our hopes of qualifying for the 2018 finals,” Napoli midfielder Hamsik, who came on a second-half substitute, told Times of Malta.
“Scotland beat Slovenia and results mean we’re now second in the group so the points won against Malta are very important for us.
“It was a very difficult match. We scored early but then gave away a sloppy equaliser which rendered things more complicated for us.
“But, luckily I would say, we scored again before half-time and that was a huge psychological lift. Jan Gregus’s goal put us in a position where we could go and kill off the match even though we had to wait until the last minute to do that.”
Hamsik said that he was impressed by Malta’s tactical organisation.
“Malta are very organised from a tactical point of view,” he noted.
“We had to be careful not to let Malta catch us on one foot with their quick counter attacks. They caused us a few problems throughout the match. We deserved the win and personally I’m relieved that we are going home with the three points in our bag.”
This week Hamsik will switch his focus to club football as Napoli prepare for Saturday’s big match against Juventus in Serie A.
He played down concerns on a groin injury that forced him to start from the bench on Sunday.
“It was a precautionary measure,” Hamsik said.
“When I came on it was okay and I had no problems. We want to beat Juventus and strengthen our claims for Champions League football next season.”