PAVEL SAFRANKO came off the bench to give Slovakia a dream start to their European Under-21 Championship campaign.
He calmly converted the 78th minute winner in Lublin to dent the hopes of their Polish hosts.
Earlier, also in group A, England drew 0-0 with Sweden.
Poland made a dream start when Patryk Lipski headed them in front within the opening minute.
The midfielder powerfully met captain Tomasaz Kedziora’s inviting cross into the area, thumping the ball past Adrian Chovan in the Slovakia goal.
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But the defending champions were level in the 21st minute thanks to a great move started on the left flank by Jarsolav Mihalik.
He found a path to Martin Chrien on the edge of the box, and he had the poise and presence of mind to swivel and play in Martin Valjent on the right.
GROUP A SCHEDULE
June 16: Sweden 0 England 0
June 16: Poland 1 Slovakia 2
June 19: Slovakia vs England
June 19: Poland vs Sweden
June 22: Slovakia vs Sweden
June 22: England vs Poland
The full-back duly fired a low shot beyond the reach of Jakub Wrabel, who really should have done better in his attempt to stop the shot.
Then, after Poland had made most of the running, Slovakia struck again after 78 minutes.
Matus Bero carried the ball into the Poland half but lost out to Polish centre-half Jan Bednarek.
But the loose ball fell to the substitute Safranko, who swiftly who took over and calmly slipped it past Wrabel.
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