[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Oct 12, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Luxembourg
2-4
Slovakia Slovakia

Mutsch (61'), Gerson (65' pen.)

FT(HT: 0-3)

Hamsik (24', 91'), Nemec (29'), Mak (30')

Match Report

Football

Slovakia book Euro 2016 spot

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter

Published: October 12 2015 | 21:40

Last updated: October 13 2015 | 10:50

Slovakia survive a second-half fightback from Luxembourg to earn a 4-2 victory and book their place at Euro 2016.

Slovakia have clinched automatic qualification to Euro 2016 by beating Luxembourg 4-2 in their final Group C game.

Starting the evening in second spot ahead of Ukraine, Slovakia were dominant in the first half but they were forced to hold off a comeback from the home side to secure runners-up spot behind Spain.

Luxembourg struggled to cope with the visitors in the early stages as their defence was sliced open with apparent ease, and they were often left thanking Jonathan Joubert, who produced a superb save to keep out Adam Nemec's header.

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Vladimir Weiss picked out Marek Hamsik, who stepped inside his marker before finding the bottom corner with an emphatic finish.

Slovakia's midfielder Marek Hamsik celebrates after scoring during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between Luxembourg and Slovakia at the Josy Barthel Stadium, on October 12, 2015 © Getty Images

A victory for Slovakia appeared inevitable when they added two goals in the space of a couple of minutes, with Nemec doubling the lead by converting a cross from the influential Weiss.

It was Weiss who created the third moments later as he created enough space to deliver another inviting cross, which allowed Robert Mak to tap in from close range.

Luxembourg looked unable to cope heading into the interval, but they made a much better start to the second half and reduced the deficit just after the hour mark.

It took a slice of luck for captain Mario Mutsch, whose long-range effort took a huge deflection on the way to finding the back of the net.

The atmosphere quickly changed when Luxembourg were awarded a penalty just a few minutes later after Nemec was adjudged to have fouled Aurelien Joachim.

A long spell of protests followed from the visiting players, but Lars Gerson held his nerve to fire home from 12 yards.

Despite the setback, Slovakia did well to respond and they limited the opportunities on offer as they headed for a tense finale.

It was enough to secure the win as Slovakia ensured they took charge of their own destiny, and the victory was wrapped up in stoppage time when a counter-attack finished with Hamsik calmly slotting in his second of the evening.