Albert Rusnák Fires Brace In Final World Cup Qualifying Fixture For Slovakia
Nov 15, 2021, 11:59 AM
Albert Rusnak of Slovakia in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Slovakia at Wembley Stadium on September 4, 2017 in London, England (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake captain Albert Rusnák scored twice in Slovakia’s 6-0 victory over Malta in the final World Cup qualifying game.
Sadly, Slovakia did not qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup as they finished third in Group H only behind Croatia and Russia.
Rusnák opened the scoring against Malta in the 6th minute before adding his second in the 16th minute. Rusnák started the game in his preferred center attacking midfielder position. Rusnák played the entire 90 minutes after previously not appearing in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia on November 11.
First-half numbers for the #RSL Captain #Rusnák 2g in first 16’ en route to 3-0 HT Slovakia 🇸🇰 lead over #Malta https://t.co/6moXsoq888 pic.twitter.com/CtvGLbu5Je
— Trey Fitz-Gerald (@3FitzSLC) November 14, 2021
Rusnák will not play another meaningful international game for some time. Slovakia’s absence from the World Cup suggests that the only international fixtures incoming for Rusnák and Slovakia will be friendlies.
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Nonetheless, Rusnák will now return to Utah to further prepare for a Western Conference showdown against the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the MLS playoffs.
Real Salt Lake will travel to Seattle for a date with former manager Freddy Juarez on November 23rd. The kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.
