When you are nation who aren't seen as one of the favorites, and are very much the under-dog to the under-dogs, there isn't much hope for you. If you have the fortune though, of having an amazing footballer in your team, especially one who plays in midfield then you have at least a glimmer of a chance.
Hamsik is a very good football player, and is almost lightyears better than anyone else wearing a Slovakian shirt. He knows that, the nation knows that. So for Slovakia to have any kind of chance in this competition then it's important the he plays at his very best. Anything less and Slovakia don't do anything in this tournament. It's the best or nothing else.
For Napoli, Hamsik has Insigne, Higuain and Khoulibaly. He's got very good players around so the pressure is not as huge.
He can defer and be part of the team effort. In fact, it's been Higuain who has been the poster boy in his record-breaking season for Napoli without Hamsik getting a big mention.
That's not the case for Slovakia who aren't as good as Napoli. More is required of Hamsik and he has to be the one to come with the quality in crucial moments in the game to get them their win. No other Slovak possesses the talents that he does or can do the things that he can to change the course of the game. That responsibility has to fall on his shoulders.
That is exactly what Hamsik did in two instances against Russia. The first, is what you call midfield brilliance. By getting the ball right in the middle of the pitch, his awareness made known to him that Weiss was running out wide on the wing. With a quick reverse pass to catch the Russians off-guard, he delivered a pass second only to Bonnucci's against Belgium. Weiss did the rest and put Slovakia one up.
Then Hamsik finished what he should have in the first game against Wales. Getting the ball from the corner, he delivered the perfect curling shot that struck the both posts and gave Slovakia the two-goal lead. A goal that was near perfection and is one of the best at these Euros. Hamsik had done what his country had expected of him. He delivered in the two ways that he ought to. A superb assist and a lovely goal.
Next challenge is against England where Slovakia have a good chance of making it through this group after their win. Again, Hamsik will be needed to command that midfield area and offer that important piece passing magic to setup a goal for his country. It's a theme that has been echoed with Bale and Wales. Exceptional players lifting their country to punch well above their weight. HH
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