Under-17s: another 2-0 defeat against Slovakia, Titani repeatedly close to equaliser

Second outing in qualifying and a second 2-0 defeat for the Under-17 National Team, who yesterday faced hosts Slovakia, breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute from a corner: Michelotti punches away the delivery from the flag, the defence fails to clear and Ševčík finds the ball at his feet for a simple finish. The Titani push up the pitch in search of the leveller. Bonesso’s boys win a good number of set pieces, but none of them are converted into the 1-1 goal. Midway through the half Raschi comes very close to equalising: Valentini finds him from the right flank with a perfect assist and the forward, having done well to lose his marker, goes for the precise finish but sends it wide. Slovakia are quick to respond: Masarik crosses for Tomáško, whose header flies over the bar. After the half-hour mark there is another scare for the San Marino side: Szomolányi sets up Fouky for the shot, which also goes over. The match, however, remains largely balanced. Towards the end of the half San Marino have a double, huge chance in the same move: Montali, picked out by Raschi, shoots almost with the goal at his mercy, but a deflection from a Slovak defender gets between the San Marino no. 6 and the net; the ball then bounces into the path of Montebelli, also in a perfect shooting position, and this time it is goalkeeper Kalanin who preserves the 1-0 scoreline.

After the restart Bonesso’s side come out flying. Montebelli releases Raschi down the channel, and he unleashes a fine effort from the edge of the box, saved by Kalanin. There is work too for Michelotti, particularly sharp in dealing with goalmouth scrambles from corners. Thanks in part to him, Slovakia are virtually harmless for the whole of the first part of the second half. They do become extremely dangerous, though, when Mirko’s cross perfectly picks out Šubert in the area, but to the relief of Michelotti and his team-mates he completely mishits what could have been the second goal. The second, however, does arrive in the 78th minute, again from a corner situation. The defence clear the initial danger, but the ball is crossed back into the box, where Líška is quickest to react and tucks it away. The Titani respond immediately, winning a free-kick on the edge of the area for handball. Set-piece specialist Mazza steps up, but he cannot get the ball over the wall. The closing stages belong to the hosts, who force several saves from Michelotti, particularly from a Saxa effort: a stunning reflex stop from the Biancoazzurri goalkeeper to deny a third. The four minutes of added time do not change the scoreline: Slovakia maintain a perfect record and sit alone at the top of Group 10. San Marino will be back in action for their third and final match on Monday at 12:00 against Bulgaria, who drew with Switzerland.

UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifying, Round 1 MD2 | Slovakia – San Marino 2-0

SLOVAKIA (4-4-2)

Kalanin; Holek (46’ Saxa), Líška, Ďurko, Masarik; Tomáško (79’ Bojčík), Duraj, Fouky, Szomolányi (68’ Mirko); Ševčík (68’ Šubert), Hofstädter (46’ Václavek)

Substitutes: Perniš, Zemko, Ivan, Iuhanyak

Head coach: Juraj Pekár

SAN MARINO (3-5-2)

Michelotti; Sammaritani, Stefani, Prendi (56’ Monaldi); Valentini (84’ Zavoli), Montali, Mazza (84’ Muccioli), Bucchi, Terni; Raschi (75’ Balsimelli), Montebelli (75’ Pala)

Substitutes: Bucci, Cervellini, Berardi

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

Referee: Mehmet Türkmen (TUR)

Assistant referees: Anıl Usta (TUR), Valentyn Kutsev (UKR)

Fourth official: Klym Zabroda (UKR)

Booked: Prendi

Scorers: 11’ Ševčík, 78’ Líška