Last week, Košice played host to the final chapter of the Nations Games series, a set of high-profile international tournaments that served as the perfect dress rehearsal ahead of the WMF World Cup, which kicks off soon in Baku, Azerbaijan. Six national teams took to the pitch in eastern Slovakia: Slovakia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Poland.
The home side, Slovakia, rose to the occasion in style. After two days of thrilling action, they battled their way to the final, where they faced off against a strong Azerbaijani team. In a match full of intensity and tactical discipline, neither side could find the breakthrough in regular time, and the title was ultimately decided in a dramatic penalty shootout. Slovakia held their nerve from the spot to claim the trophy on home soil.
Hungary secured a well-earned 3rd-place finish after a solid tournament.
The tournament in Košice also marked the grand finale of the Nations Games series, which earlier saw editions in Sofia (Bulgaria) and Herceg Novi (Montenegro) throughout April. These events provided a vital test for national squads and were key in sharpening form ahead of the biggest stage of all – the World Cup in Baku, now just days away.
