Estonia Kick Off Nations League With 0-1 Home Loss Against Slovakia

Match Report

Estonia began their Nations League campaign with a disappointing 0-1 home defeat against Slovakia on Thursday evening. Substitute Michal Duris scored the game's only goal in the 56th minute, punishing a mistake by Estonia's goalkeeper Matvei Igonen.

Estonia had the better chances in the first half, with Sergei Zenjov hitting the crossbar and Erik Sorga forcing a good save from Slovakia goalkeeper Dominik Greif. However, Slovakia improved after the break and Duris made the most of his chance to give the visitors all three points.

The result leaves Estonia bottom of Group D3, while Slovakia move top. Estonia will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Malta on Sunday, while Slovakia will host Azerbaijan.

Estonia's Starting Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Matvei Igonen
• Defenders: Karol Mets, Joonas Tamm, Nikita Baranov, Artur Pikk
• Midfielders: Mattias Kait, Markus Poom, Sergei Zenjov
• Forwards: Erik Sorga, Henri Anier, Rauno Sappinen

Slovakia's Starting Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
• Defenders: Peter Pekarík, Milan Skriniar, Lubomir Satka, David Hancko
• Midfielders: Stanislav Lobotka, Ondrej Duda, Jakub Hromada
• Forwards: Robert Mak, Michal Duris, Lukas Haraslin

Match Highlights

• 15': Estonia's Sergei Zenjov hits the crossbar with a header.
• 25': Slovakia's Robert Mak forces a good save from Estonia goalkeeper Matvei Igonen.
• 56': Slovakia's Michal Duris scores the game's only goal, punishing a mistake by Igonen.
• 75': Erik Sorga has a chance to equalize for Estonia, but his shot is saved by Dominik Greif.

Reaction

Estonia coach Thomas Häberli was disappointed with his team's performance.

"We didn't play well enough tonight," Häberli said. "We made too many mistakes and we were punished. We need to improve our performance in the next game."

Slovakia coach Stefan Tarkovic was pleased with his team's victory.

"I'm very happy with the result," Tarkovic said. "We played well and we deserved to win. We're now top of the group and we're in a good position to qualify for the next round."