Five facts about Slovakia ahead of the football Euro 2016 where the team is facing England, Russia and Wales in Group B:
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about England
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Russia
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Wales
MUST READ: All you need to know about GROUP A, GROUP B, GROUP C, GROUP D, GROUP E, GROUP F
1) Giant slayers
With 5.4 million people, Slovakia might be a small country but it does not surrender to greatness when it comes to football.
Early its European Championship qualification campaign, the team stunned Spain with a 2-1 home win in October 2014 as it cruised to a first-ever Euro appearance.
At their only major tournament so far, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Slovaks overpowered Italy 3-2 to clinch a spot in the last-16.
2) Legacy of Czechoslovakia
After the peaceful split of former Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, Slovakia's independent football team took time to find the limelight.
While the Czech Republic has not missed a single European championship since 1996, winning silver in that year and bronze in 2004, Slovakia will be at the Euro for the first time ever this year.
When Czechoslovakia won the 1976 Euro tournament, the starting line-up comprised eight Slovaks, including the entire defence.
3) Shining stars
The Slovak team boasts plenty of talent plying trade in Europe's top leagues -- captain Martin Skrtel is playing his eighth season with Liverpool and playmaker Marek Hamsik is indispensable for Serie A title contenders Naples.
Another midfielder Juraj Kucka has found a place in the starting line-up of AC Milan and wing-back Peter Pekarik is a permanent fixture in Hertha Berlin's defensive line.
4) Foreigners welcome
Slovakia's government and many of its people may not be too keen on migrants, but football fans could make an exception.
Karim Abdul-Jabbar Guede was born in Hamburg, Germany to a French father and Togolese mother and is ready to play for Slovakia, if called up.
He gained citizenship in 2011 when he played for Slovan Bratislava.
The 31-year-old now plays for SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga second division and is in the broader Slovakia squad.
In contrast, 26-year-old Cameroon-born striker Leandre Gael Tawamba Kana, who was also eyeing Slovak citizenship with prospects of joining the national team, has recently left Slovak top-flight side Zlate Moravce for Kazakhstan's FC Kairat and abandoned the plan.
5) Crazy coaches
With Jan Kozak at the helm, Slovakia has extended its tradition of employing impulsive national team coaches.
Appointed in 2013, Kozak once -- as the coach of top-flight side FC Kosice -- attacked the opponent's goalkeeping coach who had to undergo four weeks of treatment as a result.
His predecessor Jozef Adamec (1999-2001) was banned for a total of 267 days for various misdemeanours during two seasons with Slovan Bratislava in the 1960s.
In 1970, Adamec slapped a journalist, earning a five-month ban from the sport.
AFP
Tue May 10 2016
Euro 2016: Group B - Slovakia
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.