SLOVAKIA DEFENDER CLAIMS MATCH AGAINST ENGLAND WAS FIXED

Slovakia defender, Jan Durica believes the Three Lions’ win over Slovakia in the FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Sunday was fixed by the match officials.

Adam Lallana netted a 95th minute winner for the Gareth Southgate tutored side, with Slovakia skipper Martin Skrtel sent off after been cautioned twice during the encounter.
The 35-year-old defender Durica who plays his club football for Turkish side Trabzonspor believes there was some foul play at work during the fixture.

“There is only one place at the World Cup. Why should Slovakia go there when we have England in the group, ‘of course’ they will always prefer stronger teams. Probably, the Referees know how to do it,” he said.

Only one team from each of the nine groups in the UEFA section of the qualifiers would be guaranteed a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with eight teams given a second chance via play-offs.

For long spells of England’s game with Slovakia, both teams seemed to take a point, as the host defended resolutely following the dismissal of their captain. However, their hearts were broken as Lallana smuggled home the winning goal with what almost looked like the last kick of the game.

It was the red-card decision, not the late goal that irked Durica. While players dispute decisions often, there can be few complaints about Skrtel’s dismissal on reflection, as the defender seemed intent on getting himself a red card.

Indeed, Skrtel has been booked in seven and sent off in one of his last 13 international matches. It could be argued he was fortunate to stay on for as long as he did. Having already been booked in the first-half after pulling down Harry Kane, the former Liverpool defender was eventually sent-off in the 57th minute for a second caution. However, the incident that saw Skrtel stamp on Kane’s leg while he was on ground could have quite easily prompted the Referee to issue a straight red card.