Slovakia stay perfect in qualifying with win at Macedonia

Slovakia maintained their 100 per cent record in Euro 2016 qualifying with a 2-0 at Macedonia.

Jan Kozak's men went into the clash top of Group C after wins over Ukraine, Spain and Belarus and goals from Juraj Kucka and Adam Nemec ensured it stayed that way at the Philip II Arena.

Slovakia are now three points clear after a maximum 12-point haul from the opening four matches, while Macedonia look to be slipping out of contention after suffering their third defeat.

After a topsy-turvy opening period that saw half-decent chances for both sides it was Macedonia who had the first clear-cut opportunities in the 22nd minute.

First, Besart Abdurahimi's shot from the edge of the box was blocked, before Krste Velkovski picked up the rebound and forced a superb save out of Slovakia keeper Matus Kozacik, who had to tip it round a post.

The visitors' ability to weather that storm proved crucial as two minutes later they found themselves in front, courtesy of Kucka.

The Genoa midfielder popped up with a poacher's finish to sweep Vladimir Weiss' low cross past Macedonia keeper Tomislav Pacovski.

Things could have got even worse for the hosts shortly after when Vance Sikov was forced to block a menacing drive from distance by Marek Hamsik, but Slovakia did not have to wait too long for a second goal.

Six minutes before the interval Nemec pounced on some unconvincing defending to convert Miroslav Stoch's cross and notch his first strike of the campaign.

Macedonia tried to force the issue after the break, but Slovakia tightened things up and the hosts were largely restricted to pot shots from distance.

Ergjan Alioski had their best chance 20 minutes from the end, but his right-footed drive from near the penalty spot was well blocked by Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.