Ahead of their Group B clash in Bordeaux on Saturday, Wales and Slovakia UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
WALES – Danny Phillips (Dealer Development, Dubai)
It will be 57 years and 357 days since Wales last graced an international tournament when they take to the field in Bordeaux, bidding for a win against Slovakia to give them a platform toward the last 16.
Pele’s first ever international goal was enough to break Welsh hearts for Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, and although Slovakia do not possess a player of that quality, they will be no pushovers in this fixture. They beat Spain in qualification and possess plenty of experience with the likes of Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Marek Hamsik (Napoli) and Juraj Kucka (Milan).
In 1958 the greatest Welsh player of all time, John Charles, missed the game through injury, but reports suggest that minor doubts about Joe Allen and Hal Robson-Kanu have been quelled, while Joe Ledley could come into contention only 35 days after breaking his leg. His place in the starting XI will be taken by Premier League winner Andy King.
PREDICTION: Wales 1 – 1 Slovakia
LIKELY WALES XI: Hennessey; Chester, Williams (c), Davies; Gunter, Ramsey, King, Allen, Taylor; Bale; Robson-Kanu
WALES PLAYER TO WATCH: Gareth Bale. Who else? Do not take your eyes off the Real Madrid man as he always seems to raise his game to a whole new level when playing for Wales.
SLOVAKIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Martin Skrtel. They have some great attacking players but I think Liverpool centre-back Skrtel will be trying hard to keep Bale quiet. He is great at defending and attacking set pieces too. He won’t be pretty but he could be pivotal.
WHERE TO WATCH: The Media One Hotel is fantastic for football, get yourself there!
SLOVAKIA – Jozef Uhrovsky (Leadership Training Specialist, Dubai)
There’s a real optimism heading into our opening game that Slovakia can repeat their success at the 2010 World Cup and make it through to the knockout stages. Our promising qualification form has continued in the build up to the tournament and we have gone eight games without defeat – including a 3-1 victory against Germany.
Though everyone is talking about Gareth Bale, we have our own leader and talisman in Marek Hamsik – who is easily one of Europe’s best midfielders.
He is one man but elsewhere we have other exciting players in midfield and can call on an experienced defence too. The one worry is our forwards, who must deliver. It’s a huge first game and we just can’t wait to get the tournament started.
PREDICTION: Wales 1-3 Slovakia
LIKELY SLOVAKIA XI: Kozacik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubocan; Weiss, Mak, Kucka, Hamsik, Hrosovsky; Duris
SLOVAKIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Marek Hamsik – Now is the time for the Napoli midfielder and Slovakia superstar to shine and show the world just how good he is.
WHERE TO WATCH: No Slovakian fan club unfortunately but Barasti always a favourite!
