Weiss - no fatherly favours

Slovakia midfielder does not rate his chances against Holland

Last updated: 28th June 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Weiss - no fatherly favours

Weiss: Doubts starting place

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Midfielder Vladimir Weiss is not anticipating his name to be in his dad's starting XI for Slovakia's last 16 clash against Holland on Monday.

Weiss junior was dropped by his father and namesake for last Thursday's giant-killing 3-2 triumph over Italy and the 20-year-old knows better than to expect any favours from the coach.

Asked if he would be selected, a glum Weiss told reporters after training: "I don't know, managers usually don't change a winning team but we'll see.

"The team got changed a little bit (against Italy), everybody played 100 per cent, there wasn't anybody making mistakes in the game."

Suspended

Despite Weiss junior's low hopes of starting in Durban, the Manchester City performer could still be in with a chance to face the Dutch from the outset.

Midfield anchorman Zdeno Strba is suspended for picking up a yellow card against Italy, opening up a space in the Repre engine room and Weiss senior confirmed his son could yet start against the fancied Oranje.

"Strba cannot play tomorrow because of the yellow cards, he will be suspended, and it will depend also on the weather, the pitch," said the Slovakia coach, who could also be without midfielder Juraj Kucka and defender Jan Durica through injury for the Holland match.

"I will decide tomorrow morning."

Marek Hamsik, captain of the World Cup debutants, was excellent in a free attacking role against the Azzurri and hopes to again cause damage against the Dutch favourites.

"Every team has weak points but the Netherlands won every game in the group so it will be difficult," said the 22-year-old Napoli schemer.

"We have to play like we did against Italy, without pressure or fear. The Netherlands play well, they don't give you the ball. We have to play our game and look at ourselves."