Marek Hamsik scored twice and Slovakia netted three goals in a six-minute span to beat Luxembourg 4-2 on Monday as they booked a place at Euro 2016 in France.
The Slovaks are set to make their first trip as an independent nation to the European Championship after finishing second in Group C behind leaders Spain, who beat third-placed Ukraine 1-0 to end their hopes of an automatic berth.
Ukraine, who finished with 19 points, three behind Slovakia (22), will now feature in next month’s playoffs.
European champions Spain topped the group with 27 points from their 10 games.
Slovakia coach Jan Kozak’s side were anxious to put behind them the struggles of their previous three matches, in which they took only one point and failed to score after starting the qualifying campaign by reeling off six straight wins.
The team squandered a chance last Friday to wrap up its Euro 2016 spot, losing 1-0 to group minnows Belarus. However, Kozak said he never worried.
I never doubted (qualification) for a second. This team has character, quality, and I was convinced we could do it. To advance to the European Championships is something fantastic.
— Jan Kozak
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