Slovakia

Slovakia finished last in their three previous appearances at the EHF EURO, in 2006, 2008 and 2012. In fact, they are yet to win a game at the final tournament, with eight losses and one draw to their account.

However, that could change in 2022, when they co-host the European flagship tournament with Hungary, as their ambitions are high and they boast the most experienced team to ever represent them in the competition.

Slovakia are now led by the youngest coach in the competition, 39-year-old Peter Kukucka. Kukucka represented his national team as a player at the EHF EURO in 2006 and 2012, sharing the court with some of the players he now coaches. He will hope to instil new life into a team that has been lacking the passion and drive to get back to the top in the past years.

Slovakia still boast experienced players such as Tomas Urban, Lubomir Duris and Martin Stranovsky. Their international experience could be a plus, especially in the do-or-die game against Lithuania, which may prove decisive in the maths for progressing to the next phase of the competition.

The lack of competitive matches might be a minus for Slovakia, as well as the pressure resulting from playing at home in front of their own fans. However, Kukucka, who took his first steps into coaching at Swiss side Kadetten Schaffhausen, will be ready to take on the challenge.