Slovakia skipper vows to bounce back after defeat

Slovakia captain Robert Vittek has promised his side will bounce back from their defeat to Slovenia to seal a place in the World Cup finals.

Slovakia blew a great chance to guarantee a trip to South Africa at the weekend, but can still top Group Three with a win in Poland. If they slip up again, Slovenia can overtake them with a win against minnows San Marino and condemn Slovakia to the play-offs.

But Vittek said: ''This side has huge team spirit. We will perk up and win in Poland. Qualification will be ours. We have never been so close to qualifying. Maybe this was the problem (on Saturday). We allowed emotions to bring down our performance.''

Goalkeeper Jan Mucha made no attempt to play down the importance of Wednesday's tie. ''It will be a game of life and death in Poland,'' he said. ''We have no choice. We have to win and delight all Slovakian fans.''...[source]