Missed the celebrations with Slovan? No regrets, we want a historic success for Slovakia – National team – Football

He got a chance at last year’s home U19 Euro after two unsuccessful matches against France and Italy. Since then, he has not moved from the goal. Adam Hrdina (19), the goalkeeper of the Slovakian under-20 national team, is looking forward to today’s round of 16 match at the World Cup in Argentina.

Photo: Profimedia

Slovak goalkeeper Adam Hrdina.

Trustees of Albert Rusnák st. from 19.30 (the broadcast is broadcast by RTVS) they will play against Colombia. “We showed good moments, but also mistakes. Anything can happen,” says the talent of Slovan Bratislava.

You had to wait for the procedural final. How did you watch the fights of the other teams that pushed you to the knockout stage?

We all watched them together in the restaurant. We’re a good bunch. We were sorry that we didn’t fight for security on the field, but the most important thing is that we go further in the World Cup.

Weren’t you nervous?

He really was. And properly. It’s very stressful. Some things you can influence, others you just have to wait. In addition, the goals in the matches that concerned us were scored at the end. It was all the more emotional. We were very happy that it worked out.

You have experienced similarly nerve-wracking fights with Slovan in the European league or cup…

Yes, it’s true, there’s been enough of that this season. That’s what makes football beautiful, but sometimes also cruel.

Didn’t you regret missing the championship celebrations because of the championship?

Not at all, it’s an honor to represent. I believe that I will see more celebrations and trophies with Slovan.

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After a 4:0 win over Fiji and a 1:2 loss to Ecuador, you closed the group unsuccessfully with the USA (0:2). Was it the best opponent?

All teams played differently, but the USA had the highest quality. They had excellent players among them, but they also played as a team. For comparison: Ecuador asserted itself more through individuals.

Did the Americans give you problems with their offensive 3–4–3 formation and the variation of attacking players?

They played very offensively, they had smart players, but in particular we didn’t manage to get into the match. We were scared. It got better after the halftime break and we also showed bright moments.

Why was it that you couldn’t get into a rhythm in the first half? Did you feel the same nervousness as at the home European Championships, where the pressure tied your legs?

It is possible. We lacked more confidence, but gradually we got into the match. It froze that we couldn’t equalize and at the end we conceded again.

Is the level of duels in Argentina higher than last year’s home Euro?

Yes. If only because we are facing the best teams in the world, not only in Europe. Plus, there are different play styles that we don’t see that often.

Do you feel that Slovakia’s performance has also improved?

Yes. We are older, more experienced, together longer. In the season, we made a lot of difficult starts in clubs that moved us. We are going in the right direction, but it can still be better. I believe that we saved our best performance for the round of 16.

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You have completed your goal and advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup. What will you go into the fight with Colombia?

We are glad that we succeeded. It is a success, but we want to go further. The group is behind us, now it will be about one game. We showed good moments, but also mistakes. Anything can happen.

Will it be a similar duel with Colombia as with neighboring Ecuador?

It was tight with Ecuador, the match could have gone either way. It can be similarly balanced with Colombia. We have analyzed the opponent, we know his strengths. But we have to focus on our foreign exchange. Collective play, heart, great motivation.

We have a chance to achieve historic success and get Slovakia to the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Championships. We would like to please the Slovak fans with a quality game and also with a positive result. We’ve got it.

Often, a great burden of responsibility also falls on the goalkeeper. Aren’t you afraid?

At all. I know what my job entails. I enjoy when I can help the team.

Do you like intense fights?

Yes, you could say I seek them out. I can get even more excited during them. Moreover, you want to play such matches. They move and teach you the most. It doesn’t stress me out, it doesn’t tie up my legs and arms. I am looking forward to the match with Colombia.