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Adam Nemec, Slovakia's World Cup qualification hero

Adam Nemec, Slovakia's World Cup qualification hero

  • Matthew Klimberg
With names like Marek Hamsik, Martin Skrtel, Milan Skriniar, Ondrej Duda, and Juraj Kucka on the squad, one would be forgiven for being surprised to learn that Adam Nemec is leading the Slovakian National Team’s unlikely World Cup qualification campaign. Furthermore, that same person would be forgiven for possibly never having heard of Nemec prior to last night.

In a must-win match against Malta to keep their World Cup 2018 hopes alive, Nemec put forth a performance that may be remembered in the annals of Slovakian soccer history. The hulking striker netted a hat-trick to lead his nation to a 3-0 victory, and a current position in the World Cup qualification playoffs next month.

The 1.9 meter (6’3”) tall striker has found a home on the national team as he struggled mightily on club teams in recent years. Prior to joining Dínamo Bucuresti in 2016, Nemec had gone a full two-calendar years without scoring a single club goal. His most infamous stint was an eight month spell alongside David Villa at New York City FC before the team released him from his contract.

Amazingly, however, while wearing Slovakian colors, Nemec has deposited 12 goals in 29 performances. Slovakia will now await the results of matches involving Wales and Croatia tonight to see whether they’ll join the qualification playoffs. To advance, they’ll need one, or both, teams to draw in their matches today.