Goalless Draw Versus Cyprus Begins Busy World Cup Qualifying Schedule For RSL’s Albert Rusnak
Mar 24, 2021, 3:56 PM

Jamal Lewis of Northern Ireland passes the ball past Albert Rusnak of Slovakia during the UEFA EURO 2020 Play-Off Final between Northern Ireland and Slovakia at Windsor Park on November 12, 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland are allowing a limited number of spectators 1060 to be in attendance as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are eased. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak played an hour for the Slovakian National Team in the goalless draw against Cyprus to kickstart his World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Rusnak, who left RSL late last week to attend his national team camp in Europe, started on the left-wing for Slovakia before being subbed in the 60th minute.
60 minutes for Albert. Score still 0-0
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 24, 2021
Slovakia is hoping to further establish itself as a 2022 Qatar World Cup member. However, they will have to play better than they did today in order to achieve that.
Nonetheless, Slovakia received a point for their efforts against Cyprus and currently sit in a tie for fourth position in Group H. Russia leads the group with 3 points but sits atop with a +2 goal differential.
Future Schedules For Rusnak
Slovakia will next play Malta on March 27 before playing Russia on March 30. Rusnak will then return to the United States and meet RSL in Tuscon, Arizona where the team will be located to further prepare for the upcoming 2021 MLS Season.
Although, the World Cup Qualifiers picks back up at the start of September, meaning Rusnak is likely to miss MLS action in an effort to help Slovakia qualify for the World Cup.
On September 1st, Slovakia is slated to play Slovenia, September 4th against Croatia, and September 7th against Cyprus. Then, another break in the international schedule takes place before Slovakia faces Russia on October 8, and Croatia on October 11. The final stretch of qualifying games for Rusnak and Slovakia will take place in November when Slovakia prepares for fixtures against Slovenia and Malta on November 11 and 14 respectively.