Slovakia go down to England in opening World Cup qualifier

Bratislava, Sep 5 (IANS) Slovakia's national football team suffered a 1-0 defeat in the opening match of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers with England in Trnava.

Adam Lallana scored in the fifth minute of extra time to ensure England's close victory on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

The Slovak team was reduced to 10 men after the dismissal of captain Martin Skrtel in the 57th minute for a foul on Harry Kane. Slovakia coach Jan Kozak said he was disappointed after match.

"Football is sometimes bitter. The first half was very good for our side. But the dismissal of Skrtel broke our plans for more offensive play in the second half. It was very difficult to survive the pressure of the English team," said Kozak.

Slovakia play in qualification group F for World Cup 2018 together with England, Scotland, Lithuania, Slovenia and Malta.