Holders Spain suffered their first defeat in qualifying for a major tournament in eight years on Thursday when Miroslav Stoch nodded a late goal to earn Slovakia a shock 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group C.
A powerful, swerving free kick from Juraj Kucka in the 17th minute that deceived goalkeeper Iker Casillas put the hosts ahead. Spain struggled to find a way past inspired home goalkeeper Matus Kozacik despite dominating possession.
Substitute Paco Alcacer levelled for the visitors eight minutes from time. Still, any hopes the 2008 and 2012 champions had of snatching a winner were shattered when Stoch headed past Casillas in the 87th minute.
It is the first time Spain have lost a qualifier in the European Championship or World Cup since they were beaten by Sweden in October 2006 and it sparked wild celebrations among the Slovakia players and supporters.
“They hit us on the counterattack, we lost concentration, and they scored a second goal,” Alcacer told the Spanish television broadcaster TVE.
