Vittek treble spurs Slovakia
Wednesday, 8 September 2004
[1] A hat-trick from Robert Vittek helped Slovakia to an emphatic 7-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory against Group 3 minnows Liechtenstein in Bratislava.
Top of the table
[2] The 1. FC Nürnberg striker's goals helped his side build on their impressive 1-1 draw against Russia on Saturday and, allied to an opening 3-1 victory against Luxembourg, proved enough to take Dušan Galis's side top of the section.
Vittek opener
[3] The home team were quickly into their stride at the Tehelné Pole stadium, taking control of the match and pressing their visitors back inside their own half. Vittek opened the scoring in the 15th minute, shooting into the top corner from just in front of goal. The second goal arrived three minutes before the break, Miroslav Karhan the scorer, and Vittek then struck his second and the home side's third a minute before the hour.
Four-goal flourish
[4] Liechtenstein acquitted themselves better than the final scoreline would suggest, and Slovakia had to wait until the final ten minutes to add further goals. Vittek completed his hat-trick with nine minutes left, converting from the penalty spot after Martin Stocklasa had brought down Szilard Nemeth inside the penalty area.
Late gloss
[5] Middlesbrough FC forward Nemeth scored the fifth goal three minutes later, with midfield player Marek Mintál adding a sixth after 86 minutes. Radoslav Zábavník completed the victory two minutes into stoppage time.
October encounters
[6] Slovakia next face Latvia in Bratislava on 9 October while Liechtenstein, who lost their opening qualifier 2-1 at home to Estonia in August, are at home to UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists Portugal the same day.
Slovakia's Marek Mintál, Miroslav Karhan and Szilard Nemeth celebrate