Albert Rusnak, Slovakia Advance To Next Months 2021 EUROs Qualifier Final

Oct 8, 2020, 5:07 PM

Enda Stevens of Republic of Ireland battles for possession with Juraj Kucka and team mate Albert Rusnak of Slovakia during the UEFA EURO 2020 Play-Off Semi-Final match between Slovakia and Republic of Ireland at Tehelne pole on October 08, 2020 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

BY TOM HACKETT

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake’s star midfielder Albert Rusnak played 86 minutes in Slovakia’s victory over the Republic of Ireland this afternoon to help his country advance to the 2021 EURO Qualifier Final next month against Northern Ireland.

Big Minutes From Rusnak

Rusnak, 26, left Salt Lake City last Saturday to begin his preparations for the crucial encounter against Ireland today and will miss RSL’s next four matches due to international duty.

Rusnak's role with Slovakia is interesting. He is responsible to defend up the right but when Slovakia has possession he bounces all across the pitch and is frequently playing the role of a number 9. #RSL

— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) October 8, 2020

Slovakia and Ireland played a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes with the game coming down to penalties.

Unfortunately, Rusnak was unable to participate in the spot-kicks following his substitution late in regular time. Slovakia’s young goalkeeper Marek Rodák, 23, came up big during the shoot out as he made a diving save to deny Alan Browne. Immediately following the big save from Rodák, Matt Doherty stepped up and ricocheted the woodwork to give Slovakia the 4-2 penalty shoot-out win.

Rusnak & Slovakia advance to the playoff final after beating Ireland on penalties. They will travel to Northern Ireland next month with hopes of securing their 2021 EURO spot. #RSL

— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) October 8, 2020

Final VS. Northern Ireland

Next months final will occur on the 12th of November, Rusnak’s availability for that game remains unclear. However, considering the magnitude of the game itself, one can assume Rusnak’s presence will be requested by Slovakia.

Rusnak is expected to return to RSL and be available for RSL’s away fixture against San Jose on the 28th of October. He will be available for RSL’s final three regular-season matches.

EUROs

The UEFA European Championship, otherwise known as the Euro’s, is held every four years. The tournament involves Europe’s best men’s national teams as they fight to be named continual champion of Europe.

In 2016, Portugal beat France in the final in front of 284 million worldwide viewers, marking the second-highest viewed game in European tournament history.